There is opposition to a proposed new 19 storey Sarnia high-rise.
Henry Mehta wants to build a 100 unit condo development on his current Sarnia Rent-All property, at 135 Water St.
Imperial retiree John MacDonald, who lives in the building just north of the proposed development at 161 B Nelson Street, voiced concerns at a planning hearing at city hall Monday night.
"When I go out on my balcony and try to look up over this edifice, I won't be able to see the sun and all day it will be gloom on our building," said MacDonald.
Proposed concept for 135 Water Street in Sarnia. Architectural rendering to BlackburnNews.com by Patrick Coutu.
MacDonald worries the new tower will create airflow issues.
"When air is funnelled into a tunnel, it goes faster, and what that does is the velocity of air goes up and that creates a suction on the side. There's some interesting examples of that vacuum in Boston. Many years ago, a building essentially had to be redone because of that effect. Windows kept popping out."
MacDonald is also concerned about impacts, including noise, on patients at the nearby St. Joseph's Hospice.
"If this building goes up, you won't be able to see the river. You won't be able to see the sunsets, which for St. Joseph's Hospice, is kind of a symbol for what goes on in there," he said.
Sarnia council deferred its decision on the rezoning application and asked that the applicant hold another public meeting.
Council feels tenants from neighbouring buildings -- rather than just the property owner -- and representatives from the hospice should be given an opportunity to air their concerns.