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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 10, 2008 - 3 Few fans of Edgemere Estate proposal Neighbours air objections at public meeting By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Residents of the Lakeshore Road East/Maple Grove Drive area packed council chambers on Monday calling for a halt to the proposed development of a waterfront estate. Edgemere Estates Limited is asking the Town to alter the bylaw governing the site located at 1502 Lakeshore Rd. E. to allow for the development of 10 manor houses that would be 15,000 square feet in size and two-and-a-half storeys in height. The manor houses would contain several flats each for a total of 28 units on the site. The proposed development has not been well received by those who live in the area, with around 200 residents attending Monday's statutory public meeting to follow the process and to have their thoughts on the matter heard. "It is strange to me and others how people think they can arbitrarily parachute into a neighbourhood and change our way of life," said Scott Weller. "I want to bring caution to the fact that if this were to pass it would set a very dangerous precedent in the other areas of southeast and southwest Oakville where there are large pieces of land available. All you have to do is step out on your driveway and look around and you'll find somewhere that can easily be developed into condominiums." Weller also took issue with what he called the developer's cheeky attitude that the issue has already been decided in its favour. "It's come to the neighbourhood's attention that this company is very actively and aggressively pursuing marketing for these condominiums complete with full colour brochures stating that OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO EDGEMERE PROPOSAL: Edgemere Estate developer Mark Hewitt stands in front of the mansion that would be levelled if his proposal to build 10 manor houses on the property is approved. this is a done deal," said Weller. "I find this insulting and a slap in the face and I hope council does as well." He also said the President of Edgemere Estates Limited, Marc Hewitt, had told him that the deal had already been made with council. Council assured all present that the development was not a done deal and that while a decision on the matter would not be made that night, the public's comments would be taken into consideration when the decision is made. Other residents who took the podium expressed concerns about the traffic congestion that the 28 dwelling units would bring to the area, noting that the infrastructure does not exist to currently accommodate the traffic moving from Maple Grove Drive to Lakeshore Road East. Others worried the introduction of condominiums to the area would drop surrounding property values, while still others expressed concerns that the development would infringe upon the public's ability to access the waterfront. An Edgemere spokesperson said the company was willing to discuss with the Town possible options for public access to the lake. This did not seem to be a good enough assurance for Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "I didn't hear a phrase I can rely on," he said. "We, at council, need to understand what your real intent is and clarification would be appreciated." This request brought great applause from the audience, as did every delegation that spoke out against the development. In response to the mayor's request, Hewitt reiterated that the company has every intention of working with the Town to give the public waterfront access. Former Oakville mayor Harry Barrett also weighed in on this issue. "I can't figure why the developer or anyone else feels that the waterfront policy is negotiable," he said. "I've been to the Supreme Court of Ontario on this policy. We won. The Dorean ruling in the 1990s stated that when the density of a piece of property is increased on the lakefront, that the Town of Oakville is entitled to the lakefront from the top of the (stable) bank, 15 metres. No argument, game over." If the plan goes through, Hewitt noted that the massive Edgemere Estate mansion, currently occupying the site, will be knocked down to make way for the 10 manor homes. This will not be the fate of the property's five historical buildings, created in the early 1900s, which Hewitt said will be restored and preserved. Resident parking will be located underground and the developer has noted that it intends to keep the majority of the property's trees in place. With nearly a dozen delegations heard on this issue, council voted to take all comments into consideration. Town staff will now examine the issue and form a recommendation as to whether the development should be allowed. Council will take this recommendation into account in making its decision on a later date. KITCHEN RENOVATIONS? GIVE YOUR KITCHEN THE FACTORY TILE TOUCH See our design team to transform your space We specialize in importing and supplying quality Granite, Caesarstone, Marble, Ceramics, Porcelain and Natural Stone Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating Tile selection made enjoyable! FACTORY TILE DEPOT 1360 Speers Road, Oakville (East of third line) Factory Tile Depot 905.465.1650 Mon.-Thurs., 9:30-6, Fri. 9:30-5, Sat., 10-5, Closed Sun. www.factorytiledepot.ca We welcome American Express ® Cards