Former prison for women development in Kingston passes next step of approval

A proposed redevelopment of the former prison for women site in Kingston's Portsmouth district has passed the next stage of the approval process.

A proposed redevelopment of the former prison for women site in Kingston’s Portsmouth district has passed the next stage of the approval process.

The matter was before the city’s planning committee meeting Thursday night, and while the motion was eventually unanimously approved, it was not without its detractors.

Several residents spoke to the committee, including Liz Grier, who was concerned about the change to the neighbourhood, the height of the project and the potential for constant shadowing.

“If this application is approved, these allowable heights will be attached to the lots forever and the developer will be free to sell individual blocks. Residents need to be informed,” Grier said.

Matt Dixon also spoke and he, too, was worried that the wall of buildings known as Block 3 would cause a lack of sunlight for nearby homes.

“The developer acknowledges that some yards like ours could have up to four hours of shade in the morning, so probably no sunlight until almost 11 a.m.,” Dixon said.

But while some residents raised concerns, city staff were adamant that they were satisfied with the process.

Staff reiterated that the project would not leave homes in the darkness of shadow.