'Loss of privacy': Condo owners furious over new development in downtown Fredericton

Anew downtown developmenthas condominium owners next door worried about losing their privacy if the plan movesforward.

Developers with Queen Street Capital Inc., plan todemolishbuildings located at the 100 block of Regent Street, in order tobuilda six-storeyoffice buildingthat would be partly filled withfederal employees. The new buildingwould also see businesses on the ground level.

It would beto sum it uplossof light, lossof view, lossof privacy, and lossof value for the condos.- RichardDuijnstee, resident

But thebuild requires a zoning bylaw amendment for a height of 25.3 metres,which was examined at Monday night's city council meeting.

The zoning bylaw amendment was approved by the city's planning advisory committee, but stillneeds to be approved by city council.

A big concern for residents

On Monday night, Richard Duijnsteeandfellow residents of downtown'sRegency Park building, told council the amendmentshould be rejected. Duijnstee's condo overlooksRegentand King Streets. And if the building was approved, itwould block part of his view.

"It would beto sum it uplossof light, lossof view, lossof privacy, and lossof value for the condos," said Duijnstee.

But Duijnstee's biggest concern is privacy.

"Can you imagine someone looking out from an office window right into your living room or bedroom or your terrace or your balcony, where you enjoy your peace and quiet after your workday?" said Duijnstee.

"That's a big concern."

Duijnstee was one of seven people who voiced their displeasure for the project at the city's latestcouncil meeting.

Council's decision

Over the next two weeks city council will consider whether it will allow the development to continue as planned.

Coun. Bruce Grandy, who is also chairof the city's development committee,said council will have to meet with staff and go over the details of the building and seeif it fits with the city plan.

"Council now has to take what they heard from residents and the proponent, and as well do their research with planning staff and others, " he said. "In two weeks they'll come up with a final decision."

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But healso said there would be benefits to having a new office building in the area that would help boost the city's downtown.

"There are going to be a number of people in those offices that are going to be involved in the community, whether it's shopping downtown retail, whether it's going to Officers' Square and resting on their noon hours."