Sudbury housing plans for seniors concern Moonglo neighbours

Dozens of people from Sudbury's Moonglo neighbourhood waited hours last night to be heard by city councillors.

A 250-unit seniors complex proposed for a hilltop in the area was the last item at the end of a six hour meeting.

The land owner behind the development said the property was originally marked for single family homes, but he was then inspired by the idea of seniors housing.

Tim Hickey said it "would help the community and help, generally speaking, the gap that we see in that market right now."

Hickey detailed what it would be like for the seniors living there, but that didn't impress Ingrid Leers, who lives nearby.

"This was a good presentation to market a retirement facility, probably very much needed in the Sudbury area. However, the question is not how nice it is, but where it belongs."

Neighbours like David Saner were also skeptical.

"Let's be honest with ourselves — are we in this for the almighty buck or do we really want to help some people?"

Concerns from Moonglo ranged from increased traffic in the neighbourhood to the health of nearby St. Charles Lake.

There was no decision on the proposal last night. The plan is expected to come back to Sudbury city council for approval in the coming months for another public hearing and a final decision.