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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 26, 2007 - 9 High-rise proposal sparks congestion concerns By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Adding an extra 650 cars to the already-chaotic traffic situation surrounding the intersection of Speers Road and Kerr Street would be a disaster, according to residents in the area. As the town contemplates a proposal to build three high-rise towers with a total of 536 condominium units in them, neighbours are warning of increased traffic problems. "There's a huge concern in the neighbourhood with traffic, even before this was proposed," noted one resident. "The problem is that the infrastructure that's in place can barely support what's there now." Empire Communities has filed an application with the town to permit three high-rise buildings of 15, 18 and 21 storeys, connected by a three-storey podium running along Kerr Street and Speers Road. An underground parking lot for the complex would provide spaces for 650 vehicles. At a recent public meeting on the issue, Empire's planning expert Stephen Armstrong told residents that the developer would be widening Shepherd Road to create two left-turn lanes onto Kerr Street, as well as providing the town with land to facilitate the widening of Kerr Street. Three high-rise towers would add 536 units at Speers Road and Kerr Street But that answer didn't satisfy a number of the residents. "I think you're being incredibly optimistic if you think a single (extra) lefthand turn lane will accommodate all those extra cars," said one man. "I don't think you guys have really addressed these traffic issues at all." Residents living in the area of Queen Mary Drive and Stewart Streets expressed concern that vehicles from the condo towers would cut through their residential neighbourhood to avoid traffic congestion and turning restrictions on Kerr and Speers. Chris Kowalchuk, a representative from the West River Residents Association (WRRA), told Armstrong that the Town needs to improve the infrastructure in the area before residents will be able to accept a proposal of this size. He also questioned the anticipated selling price of the units. "We don't need more $600,000, 1,000 square foot condos in this town," Kowalchuk said. While the price for the units hasn't yet been determined, Armstrong said the building would likely be marketed to firsttime homebuyers and older, downsized couples. Two heritage homes on the property are intended to be incorporated into the project design. One will be maintained, possibly as a library or meeting room, for use by residents of the complex. The other home, located on Speers Road, will be used as a commercial building. Although the development incorporates only a very limited amount of retail space along Speers Road, the architect involved in designing the project suggested it may have the ability to kickstart the area's economy. "We're hoping this is the catalyst for the Kerr Village revitalization that will occur to the south," said Enzo Corazzo. Over the coming weeks, the property will be cleared of excess vehicles and cars, added Armstrong. Complete details of the application can be viewed on the town's website at www.oakville.ca/12279.htm Comments can be directed to Town planner Leigh Musson at 905-845-6601 ext. 3371 or by e-mail at lmusson@oakville.ca Prior to consideration by Town council, another formal public information meeting on the project will be held. 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