By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

Depending on the outcome of an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) decision, tenants at 43 and 49 Taylor Ave. may soon be legally evicted.

That’s according to advocate Doug Wilson. His disabled son, who has rented a two-bedroom unit at 49 Taylor for the last decade, faces homelessness if a proposal to create 28 new “micro bachelor” units gets the green light from the OLT.

Along with wanting to help his son, Wilson said he’s a “concerned citizen” and isn’t the type to sit back when bad things happen.

“This is not good for anybody,” Wilson said of the plan.

Wilson, who spoke to residents at an information session July 22, has been working on the matter since March of this year when plans to redo the buildings came to light. Owner Foundation Capitol Holdings Ltd., a GTA-based real estate investment trust (REIT), had applied to Chatham-Kent for a minor variance in order to rejig both of the three-storey Taylor Avenue walk-ups to create 14 new 290 square-foot living spaces at each location. The new spaces are to be rented at what’s being described as affordable housing at just under $1,200 a month.

Foundation Capital’s application initially went to Chatham-Kent’s committee of adjustment, which turned it down. But Foundation Capital appealed the decision to the OLT.

However, what was scheduled to be an OLT contested hearing to examine both sides of the argument July 20, morphed into what’s called a settlement hearing. That’s because the municipality’s legal department opted to not oppose Foundation Capital’s application. Reasons for that decision are not public, as it was discussed with council in-camera.

The Chatham Voice reached out to Foundation Capitol for comment. Officials had not replied by press time.

Final approval on the work is still up in the air, with a decision expected from the OLT in 30 to 60 days.

Currently, 43 and 49 Taylor Ave. feature two- and three-bedroom apartments able to accommodate families. If Foundation’s plan goes forward, density at the Taylor properties will rise by around 65 per cent. There are 21 units at each site.

In his comments, Wilson took issue with the municipality’s decision to not oppose Foundation Capital.

“We’re on our own here,” he told the subdued, mostly older crowd as he urged them to fight. “Superman’s not here. Nobody’s coming to save you.”

According to records, the two apartment buildings, now 48 years old, were purchased by Foundation Capital in 2021. One long-term tenant, who wished to remain anonymous, said the buildings have been “in decline” ever since.

Repairs are slow, if ever, to be made, he added, as he showed a reporter through one of the buildings, noting the yard is unkempt and laundry rooms are padlocked to preventing residents from using them.

Online information listed on Foundation Capital’s website invites investors to join the GTA-based company. Three main principals are listed, with one man outlining the financial benefits of joining the real estate market. In Chatham, Foundation Capital also owns properties at 9 Sarah Cres.; 220 St. Clair St.; 47 Orchard Heights and 76 Vanier Dr.

The July 22 session on Taylor Avenue was attended by around 20 residents, along with C-K councillors Michael Bondy, Amy Finn, Rhonda Jubenville and Alysson Storey, as well as a handful of concerned citizens. Two security guards were also observed on site.

Storey, who has been working on the Taylor Avenue matter alongside Finn, said she’s worried the redevelopment will put people on the street.

“Everyone of us, whether we are homeowners or renters, every time someone loses their home in our community, it affects all of us,” Storey said. “So, we need to stay united.”

Wilson stressed, that at the very least, residents living at Foundation Capital’s other properties can get ahead and “intercept” similar plans by the company. He urged everyone to send personal emails to the firm and to council opposing the development.

Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic paralegal Jeff Wilkins, who was instrumental in saving the tenancies of residents at Terrace Forty apartments earlier this year, said the matter is now in the hands of the OLT. And even though Chatham-Kent’s newly minted renoviction bylaw will take effect in October, it won’t help the folks on Taylor Avenue if the OLT approves the redevelopment.

If the OLT greenlights the plan, residents at 43 and 49 Taylor could receive N-13 eviction notices the following day.

A second minor variance application from Foundation Capital regarding its 9 Sarah Cres. property was expected to come before council July 27. Although micro-bachelor units aren’t mentioned, the company stated it would like to turn Sarah Crecent’s 12 two-bedroom apartments into 22 units.