Essa Road could get more height and density, much to the chagrin of area residents who already live there.
A public meeting is scheduled for June 14 on plans for two 15-storey residential towers and a three-storey podium, with ground-floor commercial space, at 901 Essa Rd., in south Barrie.
Claudia Fein, who lives on nearby Koda Street, says the Official Plan amendment and rezoning application, along with site-plan control, have raised significant concerns within her community.
“It highlights important concerns related to urban development, community preservation and safety,” she said. “(It) would greatly impact our neighbourhood.
“As residents, we are deeply worried about the potential consequences this project could have on the existing infrastructure, quality of life and the well-being of our community members, especially our children.”
Brown Bear Development wants to build 425 residential units, including 10 grade-related live/work units, near the northwest corner of Essa and Salem roads.
Fein said her key concerns also include insufficient parking, lack of public transit, inadequate recreational spaces, and a loss of community feel.
“The proposed size … contradicts the suburban ambience that defines Bear Creek Ridge,” she said of the area. “It threatens the nature-focused and tranquil environment that attracted many of us to this area.”
In a letter to city council, Fein suggested six storeys there instead of 15.
“The size … would undermine the suburban community feel that Bear Creek Ridge currently embodies,” their letter reads. “Unlike Mississauga, Barrie and specifically Bear Creek Ridge are known for their emphasis on nature and tranquility.
“The introduction of a larger … complex contradicts the essence of the community," they added.
This 2.19-acre site now contains a single-detached home on its eastern portion, while the western portion is vacant.
A public meeting is one of the first steps in Barrie’s planning process. Once held, the applications go to city planning staff for a report to Barrie councillors, who can then approve, deny or alter the applications.
The June 14 public meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will be held virtually and in-person in the Council Chambers at Barrie City Hall.
