I was involved in the…

I was involved in the redevelopment of the Jamesville housing complex as President of CityHousing Hamilton from 2006-2014. Given the aging 'rent geared to income' townhouses, the intent was to redevelop the large site with even more 'rent geared to income' housing, bolstered by market rent housing. The site was perfect for housing intensification given it's proximity to the James Street commercial area, the new West Harbour GO Train station, good HSR public transit and supportive greenspace on the Bay.

The intervention by CNR is entirely without substance and that one corporation is responsible for preventing the construction of much-needed, truly affordable housing and new market housing on a perfect site. Arguments about noise impacts from the rail line are spurious given the large amount of housing already in the area, and the fact that this development replaces an existing housing land use. those using the new housing are fully aware of the adjacent rail line and the construction will include all of the latest technologies to address noise.

This situation is exactly the best time to make use of a Ministerial Zoning Order. The public interest in mixing truly affordable housing and market housing far outweighs the misguided and made-up interests of a private corporation.

Please invoke a MZO, permitting this development to proceed.