Plan for 15-storey condo at west Hamilton church site backed
A plan to raze a west Hamilton church and build a 15-storey condo building on its footprint has political backing.
Councillors at this week's planning committee approved land-use changes to allow the 1107 Main St. W. mixed-use development with commercial space to move forward.
I know towers are challenging," Coun. Maureen Wilson said Tuesday.
But Hamilton needs density on higher-order transit routes - like the future LRT on Main West - to attract young talent," offer a full range of housing" and reach the city's climate goals, the west-end councillor said.
The Adas Israel synagogue, which is Grace Evangelical Lutheran's neighbour to the south, worked with the former congregation and developers to secure the property for housing.
There's a shortage in the area generally, but also for congregants who must walk to the synagogue on sabbath and holidays, said Harvey Katz, an Adas board member.
We are invested in this particular block because we believe in this development and the future of this community," Katz told the committee via video.
But other nearby residents have raised a range of objections, including 15 storeys towering" over their low-rise homes, the loss of trees and traffic-safety concerns.
Almost every inch is gobbled up by building structure," said Joel Goldberg, an Adas congregant and resident of Dow Avenue, which is off Main.
The 15-storey, U-shaped building - which steps down to two-storey townhouses across from homes on Cline and Dow avenues - is appropriate along the future LRT route, where the city aims to build density, said David Falletta, a consultant with Bousfields Inc.
Moreover, the neighbourhood is dominated" by single-family homes and student residences, Falletta said. It will give neighbours other housing options."
The demolition of Grace Lutheran, which was built in 1959 and sits vacant, has been another bone of contention for heritage enthusiasts who want to save the sanctuary from the wrecking ball.
The developers - IN8 Developments and Westdale Construction - plan to pay homage to the limestone church by incorporating some of its limestone into the building. Its facade is to be featured in a garden at the northeast corner of the property.
The planning committee's decision awaits final approval at council next week.
Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com