Ridgetown is one step closer to getting a new subdivision.
Chatham-Kent council met on Monday where they unanimously approved rezoning vacant land to allow for the construction of 131 residential units, a community park, and a stormwater management facility. Councillors Lauren Anderson and Trevor Thompson were not in attendance, while Alysson Storey did not vote.
Councillor John Wright, who represents and lives in Ridgetown, told CK News Today he believes this subdivision will have a positive impact on the community.
"Ridgetown needs to expand. I've been a resident there my whole life and the population has not grown at all," he said.
His comments were echoed by Morena McDonald, who also represents and lives in Ridgetown. She explained having more people should result in better economic output in the area which would include the possibility of more businesses opening up.
Several Ridgetown residents spoke at the meeting against the project. Each specified they weren’t against development but had concerns with this specific subdivision.
Arguably, the biggest issue brought up was the project causing Ridgetown’s population to skyrocket. It’s suggested the subdivision could increase the number of people living in the area by around 10 per cent.
“If the same per capita was done in Chatham, we would be looking at 2,000 new lots,” explained one resident.
McDonald didn't quite agree, saying the community should be able to handle this type of increase.
"Ridgetown is a pretty quiet town so even if our population did grow 10 per cent, the town could definitely handle it. We see it when the college students come back," she added.
She noted the project is expected to take 10 to 15 years to complete, so the community would have time to prepare.
Another concern was the possibility of the developer, Clarke Developments Corporation, adding more than 131 units. Several residents claimed the proposed size of the lots were being shrunk to allow for this, however, a spokesperson for Clarke Developments Corporation said this was untrue and that only a few lots would be a couple feet smaller to properly configure the entire subdivision.
CK’s administration also recommended that a minimum size requirement be part of any final approval for the subdivision.
Other issues that were brought up included dust and noise impact on neighbouring communities during construction, impacts on nesting eagles in the area, and stormwater draining into nearby properties.
When it came to dust and noise, it was suggested that a wall be constructed to help manage them.
Ryan Jacques, the Director of Planning Services for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, took time at the meeting to address the other concerns.
He claims a specialist has brought forward recommendations on how to minimize any impact on eagles in the area including avoiding work during their annual nesting time.
Jacques also explained all stormwater drained from the area would go to the stormwater management facility being built in the area. None of the piping would connect to existing infrastructure.
The project still needs to be formally approved by council. All conditions the developer would have to follow in order for it to happen will be brought forward at an upcoming meeting.