Rezoning application for Riverside Drive development greenlit by council

Windsor city council has approved a zoning amendment to allow a new three-storey apartment building at 2121 Riverside Drive West, siding with the developer over the concerns of city administration.

The project will feature 46 fully furnished studio units, marketed largely toward University of Windsor students. The heritage-styled building will sit at Riverside and Mercer, with 12 on-site parking spaces and 46 bicycle spots.

Developer Marco Agbaba, president of Agbaba Holdings, told council the proposal was a better alternative to what could already be built under existing zoning, which would allow townhouses with up to 48 bedrooms but only four parking spaces. He emphasized that no neighbourhood residents opposed the plan, and that several residents submitted letters of support.

“We are not here today asking you for more. In fact, it is quite the opposite. We are offering you better,” Agbaba said.

Administration had recommended against the rezoning, arguing the proposal represented over-intensification and required too many exceptions to zoning rules — from height and density to parking and setbacks. Planning staff said it did not conform to the city’s official plan for Riverside Drive.

One neighbouring property owner, speaking by phone from India, raised concerns about parking overflow, noise and potential impacts on his tenants.

Still, after more than two hours of debate, a majority of councillors said the city’s housing shortage weighed more heavily in their decision.

Some remained unconvinced. Coun. Fred Francis said he wanted to support the project but was unsettled by the number of variances and city staff’s warning that it could set a precedent for Riverside Drive.

“It seemed pretty cut and dry at first,” Francis said. “But when I hear you talk and you bring up all these concerns, it becomes a lot more complicated.”

Others on council landed differently. Councillor Renaldo Agostino said he almost never votes against administration’s advice, but viewed this case as an exception. “If this is done right, it could change the landscape of what we need in this city,” he said.

“These studio apartments belong in the university district and have a place to address some of the housing need that we have in the midst of the housing crisis,” added Coun. Kieran McKenzie, one of several members who framed the proposal as part of the city’s response to soaring rental costs.

Council voted 7–3 in favour of the rezoning, with Mayor Drew Dilkens and Couns. Jo-Anne Gignac and Fred Francis opposing the zoning amendment.