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4 ·The IFP· Halton Hills ·Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Apartment plan is `offensive', says resident Continued from pg. 1 He stressed the property is within walking distance of the GO station and "there is a goal of intensification in close proximity to the GO station." DaSilva also owns two other vacant parcels of land that abut the John St. property, which have access to Caroline St., bringing the total area to about 1.4 acres. The plan is to use those parcels as a pedestrian connection to the GO station. At the meeting, Caroline St. resident Lynn Baillie of Save Our Neighbourhood presented a petition to the Town signed by about 350 people opposed to the development. She said when she moved to the area 13 years ago they chose it for its comfortable-sized lots and mature trees. She said the proposed condominium is "completely out of character in the area" and will "overpower and overshadow" neighbouring homes. Craig Johnson, a 38-year resident of John St., speaking on behalf of the opposed residents, said the building and new residents would result in a "serious traffic safety issue." He also said the development would have a "negative impact on property values." Joseph Wey, also speaking on behalf of the opposed residents, said putting up a condo there would be like "dropping a whole community into an existing community." "We do not want the zoning bylaw changed again," said Wey. He said DaSilva should have raised the issue during the Go Station Secondary Plan process. That plan currently doesn't apply to the property as a decision was withheld by Halton Region on the property at the time. "Had this been presented as an option, the community would have opposed it," said Wey. He said the building will be a visual obstruction, will result in the violation of the neighbours' privacy and less sunlight on their properties. One resident asked why DaSilva had to build a condo in their neighbourhood. "That's his vision for the property," said Wellings. "So, too bad about the rest of the neighbourhood," responded the resident. "What about my mother's vision?" asked another resident, whose mother's home is across the street from the DaSilva property. He said his mother has been able to look across the street and watch the sun come up, and if the condominium is built her view will be an "eyesore." That comment was followed by a round of applause from the crowd. "The neighbourhood that's grown up is all single family homes," said a woman. "An apartment block really offends everyone." A man in the audience said he praised DaSilva for his plan and in reference to chemicals left behind in the soil from the former paper mill in the area he credited DaSilva for "trying to clean up the area for all of us," sparking laughter from the crowd. A resident who lives directly behind the property said if the condo is built they will be looking out their window at a "brick wall." "It is killing my husband and I because my husband's father and mother built that house, every single one of the kids was born in that house. All we're asking you is to take the neighbourhood into consideration. Build single family dwellings," she said to applause from the residents. When asked about the parking for the building, Wellings said the concept proposed calls for 64 parking spaces-- one per unit and 14 outdoor spaces. Following the meeting, however, DaSilva, said that his plan is to provide 1.75 parking spaces per unit. During the meeting DaSilva said "it's been enlightening" hearing from the residents. He said he was concerned about the community and that was why he attended the meeting personally. An artist's concept drawing of the proposed condominium at 60 John Street. Submitted image "I want to do the best I can with that (the property), but I am concerned about your views and appreciate your input," said DaSilva. Steve Burke, the Town's Acting Manager of Planning Policy, said the decision on the zoning for the property will be decided by the OMB. Comments from the residents will assist the Town in finalizing its position on the issue. An OMB hearing date hasn't been set yet, but the Town would like to receive comments by March 23. Comments should be forwarded to stevebu@haltonhills.ca Lace up for someone you love It only takes 1 HOUR Milton-Halton Hills Sunday, April 22, 2012 Register at mswalks.ca or 1-888-822-8467 National sponsors: Book an appointment today 905-877-1712 354 Guelph Street, Georgetown