An $80-million development is being planned at 7171 Hart Highway.
The Northside Crossing project will feature six buildings, along with apartment complexes with 60 to 75 units as well as commercial space.
The development was proposed by the Kidd Group of Companies, who also proposed the Sparwood Landing Project in the Hart in 2021, which was shot down by the city.
However, Prince George City Council has received 14 letters in opposition to the development.
Most of the concerns revolve around the increase of traffic.
“Traffic congestion is already an issue on Austin Road W, Kelly Road S and Handlen St, and the intersection is routinely backed up, which will already be impacted by the development,” wrote Tonja van der Pouw Kraan.
“The neighbourhood traffic will disproportionately increase during the morning and evening, causing traffic issues during the critical times for existing neighbourhoods.”
“The extra traffic during the morning hours will negatively affect the safety for the large number of children who walk to both Heather Park Elementary and Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary School,” wrote Mackenzie Cassin-Tennant.
“We are also concerned that Turner Road will become an access point to and from this development.”
Some residents cited other safety concerns.
“Having up to 300 people rental units will increase the number of people, traffic, and a possibility of a rise in theft to our area,” wrote Sandy Swanson.
Several of the letters in opposition of the development also requested a public hearing with Prince George City Council be held to discuss the development.
A petition garnering 60 signatures, as well as an online petition with 46 signatures was also submitted to council requesting the public hearing.
There was one letter in support of the development submitted to council as well.
“As a resident of the Upper Hart I believe we need more housing options for both those entering the housing market and those downsizing,” wrote Michael Daykin.
“We also need more retail/commercial space in the area as the current commercial space is quite limited. This project proposes to meet both those needs.”
At last night’s (Monday’s) Prince George Regular City Council meeting, a third reading was given to a rezoning amendment bylaw to allow the development.
Residents in the Hart also spoke out against a commercial development for a mini-storage facility in 2014.