Plans are moving forward on a six-storey, 46-unit, apartment building on Murphy Road despite opposition from neighbours and some Sarnia council members.
An official plan amendment for the lands from 1299 to 1331 Murphy Road, near Michigan Avenue, has been approved.
Councillor George Vandenberg voted against the recommendation.
"It's a quiet residential neighbourhood," said Vandenberg. "I've listened to the people, I've talked to them, it's their neighbourhood. They've grown up in that neighbourhood, their families have been raised there, so I'm inclined to go with the people that live in that neighbourhood. I agree with the idea of it, if it was a four storey building, I'd be all over it. But, a six storey building, I just can't live with it."
Councillor Terry Burrell didn't support the project either.
"If you've ever wanted to see the definition of an over-development of a site, I think this is a very good example," said Burrell.
Councillor Mike Stark identified several other neighbourhoods in Sarnia with apartment buildings that he said have managed just fine.
"There is a cluster of buildings at the corner of Wellington Street and Murphy Road, they clearly border on single dwelling residential and they have co-existed for many, many, years," said Stark. "So, I think there's an example where two types of living styles can co-exist."
Stark also pointed out that the current council supported and approved the new apartment complex at the southeast corner of the London Road Shopping Centre, which also abuts a residential area.
"In the wisdom of this council, we decided that was an appropriate mix of residential style. So, I am convinced that the affordable housing component of this development guarantees that affordable housing will be introduced into the north end of the city."
The owner is seeking funding through the CMHC National Housing Co-Investment Fund that would see rent, for at least 30 per cent of the units, less than 80 per cent of the median market rent for 20 years.
Councillor Brian White called the project a "no brainer," adding that he was 100 per cent in support of it.
"If we're not going to step up and support affordable housing in this community, then by turning this down today, we're making a very clear statement to this community that we're not interested in moving forward."
The existing Greek Orthodox Church and childcare centre uses at the site would remain.
