The developer of the above address is presently drafting an amendment to submit to the city of Hamilton to the zoning of 1809-1843 Rymal Road East across from Bishop Ryan High School. This is in the first early stages of evaluations, but we want to make our neighborhood voices heard before planning is too advanced.  While we understand the need in this city to build “up and not out” - existing residents have major concerns with this rezoning and prospective build.

Upon purchase of the now existing homes, residents of the adjacent neighborhoods were told the zone would be a low level retail dwelling only - this is what the strip of land is currently zoned for. Current zoning rules state that structures in this zone cannot exceed a maximum of 4 stories on top of the commercial dwelling. 

The developer is looking to build FOUR, 12 story combination retail and residential rental apartment buildings.  They are looking to add 736 rental units to the strip from the Trinity Church and Rymal to Columbus Gate. With the new zoning they are attempting to achieve, this would be the MAXIMUM allowable units under the Medium Density Zoning Bylaw - aka they are aiming for maximum capacity possible.

There are several major concerns with this change, outlined below in point form that were gathered from over two dozen neighbours that were invited to the presentation (anyone within 120 metres of the site was advised, but this development will have farther reaching consequences):

• Traffic for this area is already very bottlenecked. This will add additional stress and travel time to existing residents.
  • This will also cause adjacent neighborhood streets in totality to become a "cut through" option for the entire set of buildings from the Red Hill Valley Parkway.
  • This will increase traffic, speeding, and volume through our streets - making it more dangerous for everyone.
• Parking in the existing area is minimal and at a premium. Overflow from these units will impact neighboring streets. 
  • Noting as well that an 8 story apartment building is already in development for the land adjacent to Bishop Ryan High School.
• Schools and Daycare centers in the area are already not accepting out of catchment due to maximum capacity and have long wait lists, the infrastructure is not here to place this many more dwellings.
• For residents behind this zone, this will tower over the neighborhood, removing privacy and sunlight for immediate neighbors.
• There is not enough room for these buildings between current adjacent residential property and Rymal Road. The conceptual drawings that were provided do not appear to properly showcase the minimal space available to build the facilities that have been drawn up.
• Crime will potentially be increased - there is already numerous break-ins to vehicles in the adjacent neighborhood - this many more dwellings stands to increase that crime rate.
• Light and Noise Increase: neighboring areas are already in a level 2 noise zone due to Rymal Road. This will increase noise coming from 736 apartments. Additionally, there are already lights stemming from existing commercial buildings and Bishop Ryan - a parking lot behind each of these buildings would likely be lit at all times with bright lights.
• The Environment: the strip in question has dozens of decade old trees that would need to be removed. Planting 2 year old trees in their place is irresponsible. This area should be developed with nature as intact as possible considering its proximity to Conservation areas, etc.

Please sign to showcase that we do not want a structure of this size and population placed in a neighborhood that is already struggling with capacity - in addition to another apartment building in the works AND the condo building called SOHO already in development by the shopping Center.

Thank you!