Written By Jan Sims
KILWORTH - A proposed housing development on Elmhurst St. in Kilworth is in the early stages, but concern is being voiced about the size of the project.
Plans for a 10-unit housing development went before Middlesex Centre council for information only at its October 21st meeting.
“These 10 units; it’s way too many,” said Ward 4 councillor Sue Cates who represents Kilworth-Komoka.
Cates cited a number of concerns including the lack of green space, tight turn-around areas for trucks and service vehicles, and increased traffic. “We’re going to have this road; there’s going to be one driveway parking spot, and I get it, the second one is in the garage. But we only need to look close by in Kilworth to see the remnants of parking everywhere because people come to visit, etc and now the road is just going to be all jammed up with cars.”
Earlier in the meeting, local resident Wynn Brownsch expressed her concerns with the proposed project including the impact on traffic. “This is a narrow street, we don’t have sidewalks, we don’t want sidewalks,” said Brownsch. “We love old Kilworth just the way it is,” added Brownsch.
A Middlesex Centre staff presentation noted there have been concerns expressed by residents about how the project would impact the character of the street, reduced privacy, and the effect on water management.
“We all work hard to maintain our wells, our septics… we look after our leaves, and we love that pace of life. And that’s something we’d like to see continue,” said Brownsch.
“Staff feel that it’s overdeveloped and they recommend reducing the number. I do as well,” said Cates. Her concerns were echoed by other members of council who cited issues such as the width of the roadway, visitor parking and communal garbage collection.
