The owner of 56 St. Matthews Avenue is challenging the development charges that the City says he owes, following an unexpected second bill issued by the City.
Owner/developer Amin Mokhtarihajiyar paid for the building permit and the $61,758 development charge on December 6, 2024. However, the City did not issue the permit until January 8, 2025.
On February 5, the City informed Mokhtarihajiyar that he must pay an additional $36,579, saying that he now owed the 2025 development charge rates.
On March 13, Mokhtarihajiyar filed an appeal.
Over two months later, the City will hear his appeal during a special City Council Audit, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting on May 26.
Botched Construction Damaged Nearby Houses
Mokhtarihajiyar began construction on a new house, valued at $1.5-million, in March.
Botched construction work destabilized the foundations of neighbouring houses.
The City of Hamilton issued an emergency order requiring the demolition of 54 St. Matthews Avenue, which still had the residents’ belongings inside.
The City ordered the residents of 58 St. Matthews Avenue to evacuate, but they were eventually allowed to return home.
The City has not disclosed what, if any, investigations or building code actions it has taken since mid-April.
The development charge hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26 in Room 264 at Hamilton City Hall.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: May 20, 2025
Last updated: May 20, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version