Residents, neighbors protest proposed demolition of historic Charlottetown building

A proposal to build a 38-unit apartment building in downtown Charlottetown drew criticism in the form of a small protest by residents and neighbours of the property on Friday.

An older house divided into apartments currently sits at 70 Longworth Ave. Its owner, Red Dirt Development, wants to demolish the old building and replace it with a five-storey apartment complex with underground parking.

In a statement to CBC News, Red Dirt Development said the building is "beyond repair" and cited an "urgent need" for more housing in the city.

Jim MacMillan, a resident of 70 Longworth for nearly a decade, said the history behind the building is the first thing that came to his mind when he heard talks about potential demolition.

He said the building was once home to P.E.I.'s seventh premier, Alexander Warburton, along with a former Charlottetown mayor.

"It just doesn't make any sense, the whole concept doesn't make any sense," MacMillan said.

"It should stay here. It should be preserved forever, in my humble opinion."

MacMIllan's wife, Lynn, said she was sad to hear about the proposed demolition becuase the home holds a lot of memories.

"When we came to look at this apartment... I instantly felt at home," she said.

"I thought, 'This is where I want to be,' and it's been wonderful."

She said other residents in the building feel the same way, and that they have been like "one big happy family."

Development needs city's approval

While 70 Longworth has its history, the city does not recognize it as a designated heritage home — meaning it doesn't have the same protections as one —and Charlottetown officials said it's not on the list for consideration. 

Red Dirt Development will need city council's approval to tear down the building and go ahead wth its 38-unit complex proposal. The lot's current zoning only allows for a 20-unit building. 

Grant Matheson, who lives next door to 70 Longworth, said he's against the developer's proposal because it will lead to too much density.

He said he plans to eventually give his home to his daughter, and he's concerned about a large development next door.

"You're basically putting almost 100 people on that little lot… and 38 cars at least," Matheson said.

"I'm concerned about the property values being decreased because of placing an enormous structure that's higher density that it should be." 

Matheson said residents in the area aren't opposed to development, as long as it follows the proper rules.

"If it fits in the rules, then how can we argue with anything?" he said. "We're going to go to the planning committee when they have their meeting and present some of these concerns that we have."

City officials told CBC News it would be premature to talk about Red Dirt Development's proposal since it's currently before council.

Charlottetown's planning board will meet in early August to discuss the plan, and councillors are expected to vote on the proposal  Aug. 12.