A proposed $23-million development in Quispamsis is facing pushback from some area residents.
Elmtree Hill Development would consist of three, four-storey buildings with a combined 100 units.
It would be located at 258 Hampton Road, next to Pinewood Crescent and just up the road from Quispamsis Elementary School.
More than a dozen people spoke against the project during a public hearing at Tuesday’s virtual council meeting.
Bonnie Demmons was one of many people to raise concerns about increased traffic.
“There are, indeed, drastic peak times for school-age and daycare dropoffs and bus times. These are already a particular concern with traffic flow as it stands today,” said Demmons.
Demmons said the infrastructure is not in place to accommodate the current traffic flow let alone adding more.
Gary Losier, director of engineering and works for the town, said he does not think the project will create any “additional or noticeable delays” along Hampton Road than what is already experienced.
Other concerns raised by residents include the impact of underground parking on wells, as well as building height and privacy.
Sue Fraser said her backyard view would be “destroyed” with the three buildings, which would be nearly 14 metres tall.
“Does anyone on council agree that look out your back window at a four-storey building is something they would enjoy? If you would not put this development in your own backyard, then do the right thing and don’t put it in mine,” said Fraser.
Peter MacKenzie of Comeau MacKenzie Architecture, who spoke on behalf of the developer, said they plan to put in generous buffers or look to retain them.
MacKenzie was asked by Coun. Kirk Miller if the buildings could be three storeys in height instead of four.
“Indeed they could, but part of our original directive and design theory objective was to free up as much of the site as possible. If we were to pursue three-storey buildings and retain the same number of units, we would obviously be covering more ground space,” said MacKenzie.
Among the 17 letters received by council was one from Bill Ireland, the chief of the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department.
Ireland wrote that while he has no formal objections, there are several “areas of concern” council should consider.
“With proposed building heights of approximately 45 feet, our only ladder truck (70-foot platform) may not be able to access the roof of all of the proposed buildings,” wrote Ireland.
Ireland also said the “proliferation of multi-unit development” in the Kennebecasis Valley has placed additional restrain on the department’s already limited resources.
“Once built, this development will mean that nine new four-storey, multi-unit buildings have been added to our coverage area in roughly a two-year period further exposing the gaps that exist in our training, equipment and staffing for this type of occupancy.”
Elmtree Hill would be an “unprecedented development” in the region, according to MacKenzie. It would feature a walking trail around the site perimeter, a community building with outdoor and indoor space, pickleball or croquet courts and community garden plots. Most of the parking would be located under the buildings.
The buildings would be built in phases depending on demand, though developers expect all three phases would be constructed within four years.
Council approved first and second reading of the rezoning following the public hearing. Third reading could take place as early as July.