Yuri Arutyunov, the current owner of 310 Côte St. Antoine, has applied for permission to demolish a 1960s-style bungalow currently on the lot. He plans to replace it with a new 2.5-storey, single-family dwelling, whose architectural features match those of the surrounding neighbourhood. Janet and Jean Philippe Aubert of 316 Côte St. Antoine Rd. are contesting the project.

Two years ago, when the Auberts first appealed, they claimed that the house, which was proposed then, would affect their view of King George Park and reduce the amount of natural daylight falling on their property. They were also preoccupied by a proposed driveway that would have run alongside their home, and the infringement of their privacy by a proposed roof-top terrace.

During a public hearing last Monday at city hall, which was attended by several neighbours who share the Auberts' concerns, Adam Borowczyk, the architect who produced the latest plans, said he was aware "there was opposition … Basically nobody likes changes and we tried to think of and respect the problems of the neighbours.

"I believe that the impact is very marginal on your property," he said, maintaining that the new house would not significantly obstruct the Auberts' view of the park. Its roofline also matches the height of nearby houses. He said their privacy would also not be compromised, "since we have a pretty large distance between those two buildings," and a landscaped privacy screen would also be created.

Addressing the committee, Janet Aubert contrasted the well-organized nature of the architect's presentation, with the reality she said that she and her husband would have to endure if the house is built.

"It is not all fine, because of the fact that we really do not have sufficient evidence that we will have access" to light, she said. "That is why we bought the house … What initiated that move was the perspective that we had."

While concerned about the new house's potential impact on the surrounding neighbourhood, she said she approved of the design. "This house would be absolutely marvelous if it were elsewhere, no question about it," she said. "I have no problems with the fine job that you have done here. But here within this reference it does not work, and it is causing clear, unadulterated negative effect to the people around. It's not usual that the people from the sides come to this meeting to speak out."