The members of city council appear caught between wanting to improve Estevan's rental property shortage and respecting the wishes of its residents.
Council has received a number of objections to a proposed four-unit rental property at 837 First Street. Those concerns were made public at the Feb. 21 meeting where it was noted council received nine objections to the proposal.
The majority of the residents in the area signed a form letter that laid out their thoughts on the proposed project that must receive approval from council before it is allowed to proceed.
Among the concerns is a lack of parking spots on the street and Ninth Avenue.
"With this revenue property being built, there will be more vehicles trying to park on these already crowded streets, not to mention when these renters have company over," the letter said.
The residents added they were also worried about adding more traffic to their "already deteriorating" street. They added that the size of the building would look out of place in their neighborhood and are also concerned it could bring down the value of their properties.
In a letter submitted to council, Estevan resident Lester Bill, whose home is next to the area in question, added he and his wife also have a number of concerns.
Bill said when they built their home in 1997 one of the features they incorporated were large windows on the west side of the home to let in sunlight and provide them with a view. He said if the rental property were to be built, because of its height and length they would lose that sunlight and their only view would be the side of a building.
Bill added privacy is also a concern. Due to the height of the building, which would be twice that of the current home on the lot, tenants would be able to look out their windows directly into his backyard. Bill added he would not be opposed to a duplex in that location which likely would not be as high.
The members of council also weighed in with their thoughts. Councillor Chris Istace said he spoke with the developer and was informed they decided to build the rental property because they cannot find employees due to the housing shortage and would use the four units to house their workers.
Istace added he appreciates the concerns of the residents, in particular the height issue, but would like to see if a compromise could be reached.
Councillor Rodney Beatty noted that he also respects the opinion of the residents, but housing has to be the top priority for council.
"The builder has an opportunity here and we need to go ahead and allow it," he said. "I think some of the concerns might be exaggerated, but I still respect them."
Councillor Roy Ludwig came down on the side of the residents and feels council should respect their concerns. With that in mind, he proposed that the zoning change be denied. However, that motion was denied by a four to two margin with only Councillor Brian Johnson voting alongside Ludwig.
Mayor Gary St. Onge said he too, has concerns about the proposal but would like to speak with the developer before they decide to deny the request, and if the developer declines to come to council, their decision would essentially be made for them. A motion to allow that was made by Beatty and passed unanimously.
