Millidgeville resident Katharine Herrington says the development is "incompatible" with the neighbourhood. (Danielle McCreadie)
Saint John council passed first and second reading of a contentious development in Millidgeville after a public hearing Monday night.
The rezoning of 819 Millidge Avenue for a $17.5-million mid-rise development has received backlash from neighbours around the size and height of the project.
Over three hours Monday night, council heard from 13 residents objecting the proposal.
Many say they aren’t “anti-development,” but the location of the 88-unit four-storey complex doesn’t fit in with the rest of the neighbourhood, which is largely made up of one-storey single-family homes.
Millidgeville resident Katharine Herrington says the development is “incompatible” with the neighbourhood.
“We are not against development, and we don’t want to see the church property go unused. However, it’s a prime piece of real estate in the heart of residential Millidgeville, and the development must be thoughtful,” she said.
“A lower profile, lower density project would be much more in keeping with the neighbourhood, and would be welcomed by current residents.”
Herrington says the development follows a pattern of over-building in the city that is going unchecked.
She also claims the developer has a “lack of respect” for the neighbourhood.
Herrington says a signature opposing the development has already amassed over 300 signatures.
Debbie McCormack has been involved in community development for around 30 years.
“Community development is a process, and one of the major tenants of community development is engagement of the community, and if you don’t engage the community, you will have resistance, which you are hearing in full flavour,” she said.
Resident Hazel Kerr compared this development to another one heard Monday night on Wentworth Street, which was well received by neighbours, partially due to the developer’s engagement process.
“Percy Wilbur met with individual home owners and talked with them. We have had none of that in Millidgeville. We had a letter in the mailbox,” she said.
City staff did make some small changes since the January PAC meeting to make the development more palatable.
One of the drive-ways would be exit-only, and would only allow right hand turns onto Daniel Avenue. The main entrance and exit into the complex would be on Millidgeville.
A buffer of hedges and trees would also be planted between the development, and adjacent homes on Hayward Avenue.
Developer Charlie Bird says he’s making a significant investment in the city. The $17.5 million development could generate over a third of a million dollars in taxes.
“I really believe this project not only checks all the boxes in the municipal plan, but also addresses many of the concerns raised by some of the neighbours,” he said.
Bird spoke directly to councillors last night, and threatened to pull the plug on the project over the community backlash.
“This investment at my age, I don’t need it, and quite frankly I don’t need the aggravation either. It will not enrich me by one nickel. I’m better off to leave my money in the bank and live off the interest,” he said.
The proposal will still have to go through third reading before it is officially approved.
Councillor Gary Sullivan was the only member who voted against the proposed development.
