Todd Barlow’s battle against the expansion of seniors affordable housing in Binbrook is over.
On Thursday [August 8, 2024], the Ontario Land Tribunal formally dismissed his appeal against construction of 105 low-rise seniors housing units on 3.04 hectares of surplus city lands that is adjacent to his property.
The OLT was uncharacteristically critical of Barlow, noting they “had not even reviewed” the application record filed by the Township of Glanbrook Non-Profit Housing Corporation “until the evening before the hearing.”
Barlow only entered opinion statements during the one-day OLT hearing.
105 new units of seniors’ housing, involving 52 affordable units
In November 2023, Hamilton City Council unanimously approved the construction of a new three-storey 105-unit seniors’ rental apartment building that will include 52 affordable units.
Township of Glanbrook Non-Profit Housing Corporation is expanding its existing 31-unit affordable seniors housing, which is an adjacent property.
The 31 existing units are the only purpose-built rental housing for seniors in Binbrook.
The City of Hamilton provided the land at 2800 Library Lane, as part of its city-wide strategy to provide surplus land to expand affordable non-profit housing across Hamilton.
[Affordable for this project is defined as being 80 percent of the median market rent for the City.]
The City also provided a $1.7-million loan to fund expansion planning.
The Barlows Primarily Worried About Property Value
“First and foremost, the intrinsic damage to our property value from the proposed rezoning is our greatest concern,” the Barlows wrote in their letter opposing the project. “In addition to the pure financial impact to our property value, we will loose all the enjoyment of our property outdoor space, which will be equally damaging to us.”
The Barlows wrote they bought their home with the expectation that no development would occur behind them.
They provided no evidence to support their statements.
They stated concerns regarding waste management, height, shadows, lighting, grading and drainage, parking, traffic congestion, site servicing (sewers), a lack of access to services such as medical doctors, snow removal and disruption of natural habitat.
“None of the Appellant’s submissions support his request that the appeal be granted,” ruled OLT Member Felix Lavoie.
Production Details v. 1.0.0 Published: August 8, 2024 Last updated: August 8, 2024 Author: Joey Coleman Update Record v. 1.0.0 original version