Kingsville council shot down a proposed housing development after stiff public opposition.
Close to 100 people attended Monday night's council meeting to stand against the re-zoning of a large plot of land at 169 Prince Albert St. N. Concerns over increased traffic, decreased property value, and the loss of woodland were raised by residents.
The project called for a cluster of 16 semi-detached-units to be built in an area consisting mostly of large lot suburban homes.
Anthony Burrel owns the plot and says the plan was to develop the property as low-income rental units.
Burrell says he's not happy with the decision, but is taking it in stride.
"That's the way it goes, you win some, you lose some," says Burrel. "Personally I think there's a very big need for low income housing for a lot of seniors."
Several people spoke in support of the project, emphasizing the need for affordable housing in the town.
Proposed rezoning of 169 Prince Albert St. N. not approved by @KingsvilleOnt Council. #cklw pic.twitter.com/Gh6vFLwxTc
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) August 15, 2017
Burrell says it's unfortunate council didn't see things the same way.
"That's unfortunate for them, I was selling it to a developer who wanted to put in this thing for that reason, to help some low income people," says Burrell. "You always want to make a little money for yourself when you're doing this. You're not in business to lose money."
Burrell says this is one of several offers hes had to develop the land.
"There's projects going everywhere in Kingsville, there all around us, the towns going to grow and get better, get bigger," says Burrell. "Things are going to happen, change will not stay still."
Burrell says he'll head back to the drawing board and plans to come up with another use for the land soon.