A proposed three-storey development in Simcoe with a mix of rental units and commercial space is raising concern from some town residents.
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A development application from The Ventin Group Ltd. was discussed at a Norfolk County public hearing committee on Wednesday.
The building is proposed for about one hectare of land at the corner lot fronting onto Norfolk Street South and Decou Road, across from the Sobeys plaza. There are currently three homes on the property, which would be demolished.
The applicant has applied for an official plan amendment and a zoning bylaw amendment to construct the development, which would include 42 residential units, with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units and ground-floor commercial units.
A group of citizens gathered in the Norfolk council chambers raised concern about public safety due to increased traffic, noise, water runoff, and aesthetics.
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Decou Road resident Christine Stewart, who lives across the street from the proposed building, said she’s worried about occupants of the units being able to look straight down into her yard and front window.
Margaret Payne, who lives on Simson Avenue, questioned the need for more commercial development in the area.
“Every time I look there are empty shops in the Sobeys mall so what’s the rationale for putting in eight more commercial spaces?”
Several people said increased traffic will make an already bad situation worse. Decou Road resident Tom Baker said the number of cars in the area has increased dramatically and pedestrians often don’t walk in a safe manner on the road, which has no sidewalks.
“I can’t believe so many people want to live on this end of town,” Baker said. “The last two years it has gone nuts. The road is busier than it has ever been. Somebody’s going to get killed and I hope I’m not the one who does it to them.”
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In a report to councillors, Andrew Wallace, a planner for the county, said “traffic will be a significant issue given the existing concerns with the Norfolk Street South/Decou Road junction.” He said the “functionality of the proposed parking and vehicle accesses in relation to the junction” would be looked at in more detail as part of the site plan review stage.
A retail impact assessment will be completed that includes details about the types of businesses being considered for the ground-floor space and the impact it could have on existing downtown businesses.
“If there is already commercial nearby, often these types of assessments provide some justification for it,” said Brandon Sloan, Norfolk’s general manager of community development.
Norfolk planning staff will return to council with a recommendation report in September when councillors will make a decision on whether to approve the development.
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