Ridgetown will soon see a significant boost in housing stock, thanks to a proposed 131-home residential development officials announced Feb. 24.
Apollo Property Management and Clarke Developments are behind the $70 million-dollar Highland Subdivision planned in the area of Warwick and Cecil streets on the eastern side of the community.
With construction set to begin in late spring, the development will be created in two phases and consist of single-family homes.
Speaking during a media event at the site, Apollo Group of Companies president Fred Naclerio said he’s noticed much demand for the planned homes already.
“I hear from the agents every day,” he said.
He added he’s looking forward to the growth within the community in which he resides.
Mayor Darrin Canniff credited Naclerio for contributing to Chatham-Kent’s development for the past two decades, calling him a community builder.
“There’s going to be a lot of public input,” he said. “When you put that in perspective, if there’s two people per house … the population of Ridgetown will grow eight per cent. With three people, it’s 12 per cent.
“Ridgetown is going to be a very vibrant and growing town.”
East Kent councilors Steve Pinsonneault and John Wright were also on hand.
Pinsonneault said he acknowledged the concerns of some residents, but added he has confidence they’ll be addressed by the developer.
“We believe this is a good thing for the community,” he said. “It’s going to be good for businesses. It’s going to be good for the schools around. We need assessment growth.”