A public hearing on Clearview North’s proposed and controversial affordable housing site will be held at the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel on Monday.
The city expects a large turnout after two well-attended open houses on the proposed changes.
Feedback from residents focused on concerns over property value and increased crime rates and safety.
One resident commented, “I am concerned that while walking to work I will meet up with any number of the proposed new residents of the area. I don’t think I need to add what could happen to me at 11 at night walking on my own trying to go to work.”
Another wrote, “I am extremely against these proposals and feel it will directly impact my home value as well as the neighbourhood value.”
The public hearing at the Sheraton gets underway at 6 p.m. Council’s regular meeting begins at 2:15 p.m. in council chambers and then will shift to the hotel.
The city acquired the four-acre site along Caribou Crescent in the northwest corner of the neighbourhood from the provincial government.
The parcel of land came with the stipulation that the land would be used for affordable housing for at least 15 years.
The city is looking to change the area structure plan, as well as zoning.
The proposed amendment would replace a cul-de-sac and single family and multi-family residential designations with a multi-family residential/place of worship/assembly designation.
Over the last few years, the city has been working with the Red Deer Native Friendship Centre Society on its affordable housing plans.
Since 2008, the centre has been developing its plans for affordable housing units and a cultural centre.
The concept includes two wings of housing with the friendship centre in the middle. A small gathering space, offices and potentially other agencies are amongst the plans.
City council gave first reading to the Clearview North Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan and first reading to amend the land-use bylaw in August.
Any decisions on the rezoning and area structure plan will be made at the Oct. 15 council meeting.