Several people who own property in Fox Haven are worried about what effects a new development at Meadow Lakes could have on their homes.

On Monday evening, city council heard five people voice concerns about a proposal to rezone a 2.5-hectare parcel of land at the Meadow Lakes Golf Course to allow for a multiple housing development at a public hearing last night.

Council approved first reading of the required zoning amendment in May.

Developer Jeff Luehmann is looking to turn the land by holes seven and nine into a new development called Hidden Haven.

The development would have up to 22 units — four four-plexes and one six-plex — and would cater to the 50-plus crowd.

"They're people that are looking to retire, slow down, that love the Yukon, still want the Yukon to be their home but get away a little bit in the winter,” Luehmann said of the unit's potential buyers.

Each unit would be 2,000 square feet and sit on 0.5 hectares.

However, residents of nearby Fox Haven are worried that the development would affect their water quality and real estate values, as well as bring extra foot and vehicle traffic to the area.

Armando Heredia, who lives in the neighbourhood, told council he wasn't aware of impending development when he purchased his property and is now concerned that his property value will drop and traffic density will increase.

Ryan McGillroy, another area resident, is concerned that development would change the neighbourhood.

"I bought because I liked all the controls that were in place,” he said of the neighbourhood.

Building condominiums in the area would bring a "more transient group,” McGillroy said, adding that he doesn't want to see the new units as rental units.

McGillroy is also worried that heightened foot traffic on public trails and an increase in dog droppings in the area will change the neighbourhood's reputation.

Luehmann, however, argued that that's what the trails are there for.

"It's bittersweet,” he said. "It's a beautiful piece of property and, yes, there's more and more people coming out to use it that don't live there.

"And that's what it's there for... And I think (current residents) just need to get used to that.”

Kelly Pollard and Leslie Gong said they are concerned about how Hidden Haven would affect their water quality and asked the city to assure them, in writing, that it would not suffer because of the new development.

Concerns about changes to the water quality are unfounded, Luehmann said.

"The water's not an issue,” he said.

An advanced septic system has been designed for the development, Luehmann said, utilizing technology that he believes has not been previously used in the territory.

"It's a bit overkill but it's actually a safety device,” he said, adding that it would be "crazy” to cut corners on a septic system.

When it comes to property values, Luehmann believes the new development would actually increase the real estate value in the neighbourhood.

"I think the one thing a lot of these people don't understand is that we did a first-class development with Fox Haven and the golf course and we're continuing through with that,” he said.

The units would sell for between $400,000 and $500,000 each. Luehmann said there would be a no-renting clause in the condominium contracts.

The first four-plex, which Luehmann hopes to break ground on this summer, has already been spoken for.

The city received 20 submissions on the rezoning proposal: 18 were in support, one was opposed and one was concerned.

The findings of the public hearing will be reported back to council on July 4.