875 Charing Cross Road (Photo via Google Maps)875 Charing Cross Road (Photo via Google Maps)
Chatham

Council narrowly votes down proposed Charing Cross Road fourplex

To the delight of several residents in the area, a home on Charing Cross Road in Chatham will not be turned into a multi-unit dwelling.

A planning report that went to council on Monday night recommended the zoning bylaw be amended for 875 Charing Cross Rd. to allow it to be turned into a multiple-unit dwelling.

The property is currently a three-acre residential lot with a 2.5 storey Tudor-style single-detached home and a detached two-car garage.

The property was purchased in August. According to the report, the owners submitted the rezoning application in hopes of converting the existing structure into a multi-unit dwelling containing no more than four separate units. It was also being proposed that all or a portion of the existing detached garage be converted into a single dwelling unit.

However, the idea to convert the home into a multi-unit dwelling did not sit well with many residents from the area.

Councillors heard nearly a dozen deputations from citizens urging them to vote against the zoning by-law amendment. A petition was also circulating online against the bylaw amendment that received over 1,500 signatures.

Many residents expressed concerns that bringing a multi-unit residence into the area could lower property values, damage the character of the home itself as well as the character of the neighbourhood, and create a precedent for allowing future rezonings in the area.

"It’s in a single-family home residential area. To make this into anything other than a family home would be very wrong," read one of the comments posted on the online petition. Another stated, "Well... there goes the neighbourhood. I live next door to this amazing house. Not looking forward to having it split up four ways and the garage being turned into an extra dwelling. This is likely the start of a very slippery slope."

Other residents took issue with the fact that the investors were from out of town and that the money made from the property would not be kept in Chatham-Kent.

875 Charing Cross Road (Photo via the Municiplaity of Chatham-Kent)

The final deputation read on Monday was on behalf of the property owners, who attempted to alleviate some of the concerns and addressed rumours that the current home would be demolished and apartments built in its place.

"We are making no changes to the exterior of the home or the attached garage except to repair and restore the property to its former grandeur," read the deputation. "The external appearance and general character of the building as a single detached dwelling is not being changed."

The property owners also explained that each one of the four residential units would have its own separate entrance and have required parking, one space for each unit, off of the existing driveway.

Some of the councillors who voted in favour of the rezoning expressed concerns that denying the application could give out the impression that Chatham-Kent is not welcoming towards renters.

"I think we have to be careful that if we turn this down, we might be sending the wrong message to the investors," said Councillor Joe Faas. "We've always been portrayed as a friendly and welcoming community and I think by turning this down we might send a negative message."

However, many councillors echoed resident concerns and questioned if a multi-unit dwelling would be appropriate in the neighbourhood.

"I think we need to be strategic on where we grow and how we grow," said Councillor Trevor Thompson. "I don't think a five plex in the wrong neighbourhood is going to alleviate our housing issues...It isn't affordable housing by any stretch other than an apartment is, by its very nature, cheaper than a house. We do need to be strategic on where we grow and I think part of that is making sure it's not unfettered growth. I don't think a five plex is proper for this area, the community clearly doesn't want it."

Ultimately, the zoning bylaw amendment was voted down 10-7. Councillors Mark Authier, Michael Bondy, Anthony Ceccacci, Marjorie Crew, Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, Amy Finn, Douglas Sulman, Trevor Thompson, John Wright and Mayor Darrin Canniff voted against the amendment.

According to the Government of Ontario website, if local council votes against a zoning application, the applicant may be able to appeal the decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

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