North London neighbours concerned about proposed townhouse development [Video]

Neighbourhood concerns were trumped by the demands of the housing crisis, but residents might not have left the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) empty handed.

On Tuesday, nearby homeowners pressed the committee to reject a 142-unit cluster townhouse development proposed on a vacant lot at 613 Superior Dr.

The property had initially been set aside for a new school, but neither school board has an interest in developing the site.

Neighbour Kristin Ladd told committee members, “The land and surrounding infrastructure are not designed or suited for this density. It’s unsafe and irresponsible.”

However, the arguments made by neighbours had little impact on council members tasked with achieving London’s housing goal of 47,000 new residential units by 2031.

“We are looking for intensification and we do want mixed model neighbourhoods,” said Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis. “We don’t want neighbourhoods that are exclusively one form.”

However, one concern raised by neighbours …