Dalron looking for approval on Bennett Lake development

Round two in a fight between South End Sudbury residents and real estate developer Dalron is underway.

It's over a piece of bush land in the Lo-Ellen Park area, near Bennett Lake.

Plans for a 350-unit housing complex were scrapped six years ago in the face of community opposition.

Now, Dalron is back with a proposal to build 15 homes overlooking the lake.

Greg Dalton, who lives in the area and is the founder of the Friends of Bennett Lake, doesnt see the logic behind the proposed building project.

"Why should the whole city lose access to circle the lake and see some of the most spectacular views of the city for a few homes blocking the trails," he said.

Kristi Arnold, a spokesperson with Dalron, said the property has been earmarked for development for more than 50 years.

"I understand where they're coming from, they've enjoyed the property for many years and have lived with it undeveloped for many years," she said. "So as soon as you add development, it changes their lifestyle."

Dalton said he is hoping to stop the development.

"We have to take responsibility for our city, because this is happening across the city, on different lakes," Dalton said.

Back in 2006, when Dalrons plans for a 350-unit housing development in the Lo-Ellen neighbourhood went public, residents organized into groups, held meetings, and posted lawn signs against the proposed construction. Dalron backed away.

However this time, Arnold noted, not all the neighbours are against the project.

"There's been quite a bit of negativeness around it as you've heard," she said. "But we have had 12 calls from people wanting to reserve lots and they're all from the area."

Arnold said Dalron is still deciding what to do with the rest of the property.

But city councillors are expected to make a decision on these first 15 houses next month.