Some London residents remain concerned about a proposed apartment complex specifically designed to allow adults with autism to live independently. City council is expecting a heated debate over the single-level, 14-unit proposed building on Tuesday night. Resident Bonita Bajrc says she may no longer be able to enjoy gardening if the complex is built in the empty lot next door. “I’m not sure I’m going to feel comfortable in my backyard any longer to do those types of things…part of what this street and this neighbourhood enjoys is the privacy and kind of the peacefulness you get from these backyards.” But Ward 1 Councillor Bud Polhill thinks there could be something more than traffic and design concerns at issue. “Physical challenge, financial challenge, mental challenge. It’s tough for them to establish housing in any area, because people don’t want them there.” Marti Lussier has a 20-year-old son with autism and has been spearheading the ‘It’s My Home’ project. She says they’ve been trying to work with residents, “We’ve met a couple of times now. We had a neighbourhood meeting at a planning committee and we listened very closely to their concerns and each time we’ve addressed them.” In fact, the exterior of the building has been redesigned to please neighbours. Lussier adds “As a parent, I have tremendous fear for my son and I want him to be successful. When I'm gone, I want to know that he's going to be okay and I want the community he lives in to support him.” The project is expected to cost about $3 million and be funded by the municipal, provincial and federal governments.
