I am writing as a resident…

I am writing as a resident of downtown Hamilton to express my strong concerns regarding the proposed Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) for the Jamesville redevelopment site.

The proposed project may have good intentions, but its location and scale are fundamentally incompatible with the current reality of our neighbourhood. This is already a densely populated area with limited parking, heavy traffic flow, and infrastructure that is stretched thin. Adding hundreds of new residential units—including several high-rise buildings—would place unsustainable pressure on streets, public transit, and municipal services.

Increased density on this scale also comes with real safety implications. Residents in this area have already reported a rise in vandalism, property damage, and disturbances. The additional foot traffic and congestion that would result from this development will likely worsen these conditions, undermining the sense of safety and community many of us value.

It's difficult to understand why such a sensitive project is being forced into one of the most problematic sites in the city, especially when there are alternative locations—particularly on the mountain—that offer more space, fewer conflicts, and greater long-term viability for large-scale residential development.
While I understand and share the urgency of addressing Hamilton’s housing crisis, it should not be done hastily or without regard to the impacts on surrounding communities. Effective urban planning demands a more balanced approach that considers location suitability, existing population density, and public infrastructure capacity.

I respectfully urge the Ministry to reconsider and explore alternative areas of the city better suited for this kind of growth.