Hamilton councillors back six-storey student residence in Westdale
City councillors have backed a six-storey mixed-use building in Westdale meant for students.
The planning committee approved land-use changes Tuesday to allow Gateway Development Group Inc. to build the 30-unit building at 804-816 King St. W.
The plan calls for 20 parking spaces, two of which are meant for its ground-floor commercial unit at King Street West and Paradise Road North.
The development planned for a property with two single-storey commercial buildings and a parking lot has been the subject of neighbourhood support and disapproval alike.
Some who oppose the plan say a lack of parking spaces will lead to more cars on already crowded streets in the student-heavy area near McMaster University.
Each student will need a space, or it's just going to spill out" in the neighbourhood, resident Brendan McIntyre said in a video address.
McIntyre also questioned the demolition of two businesses for some cheap student housing" and noted his preference for affordable family housing."
Coun. Maureen Wilson, who represents Ward 1, said she agreed more housing for families and seniors are needed, but this is a private property and it's not within our purview to dictate who lives in the development."
It's hoped students would move out of single-family homes and into purpose-built rentals like Gateway's, Wilson suggested.
In a letter to the committee, Andrew Meas, the operator of Phin Coffee Bar, called the future residence a great addition to the area" that will lead to business growth and better housing solutions for students to live."
On road safety, Wilson said inadequate street design" can't be remedied by halting" people from moving into an area or denying increased density.
Let's keep chipping away at making our streets safer, less hostile for pedestrians and cyclists."
Gateway's plan also includes 89 long-term bicycle spaces and underground parking, which will be designed with safety issues in mind during the file's site-plan stage, noted Matt Johnston, a planning consultant with Urban Solutions.
The planning committee's approval awaits a final nod at council next week.
Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com