A proposed 32-unit multi-residential project on Dingwall Road has nearby residents concerned about too much density and increased traffic.Six people spoke against the proposed Dingwall Project during a public hearing at Monday's Courtenay council meeting.Council received an application from Muchalat Construction Ltd. in early March to amend the city's Official Community Plan and its zoning bylaw to allow for a 32-unit multi-residential development at 1577 Dingwall Rd.The 32 units would be distributed across six two- and three-storey buildings ranging in size from two to 12 units per building.The 2.4-acre property is currently developed with a single-family home.The plans call for a mix of building styles with a common architectural theme. Units would range from one bedroom to three bedrooms and from 600 to 1,600 square feet.One key of the design is preserving trees and natural undergrowth, explained architect Harry Whitfield, noting they plan on preserving 90 trees and that greenspace preservation makes up 62 per cent of the site.Gord Webber of Comox, who co-owns the house right next door to the proposed project, had many concerns about the impact of the development."I think the project is far too large for that area," he said. "We're going to see a huge increase in noise and traffic in and out. You're changing Dingwall Road completely from a rural area to a high-traffic area. I personally think this is far too much project."Cindy Banos, whose backyard faces the property, was concerned that nearby residents' property values would go down, and she, too, felt the development was too big."I just think this is a monstrous thing to build in this neighbourhood," she said. "It doesn't fit. It doesn't blend in."Karl Langenmaier told councillors he would like to see more single-family houses in this area or duplexes at the most.Speakers also raised concerns about safety, increasing traffic in the neighbourhood, increasing crime, the state of Dingwall Road, the wildlife that spend time on that property and about building houses so close to tall trees.Coun. Larry Jangula, who lives in the area, urged council to listen to the people and vote against the application.He noted that Dingwall, in his opinion, is a narrow and dangerous road, and he felt the project was "far too much density" for that area."I think council should be very aware the neighbourhood has spoken very clearly and consistently that they are opposed to this change," he said. "If we pass this, knowing what we know from these people, we're doing them a huge disservice."Coun. Murray Presley felt the proposal presented a real dilemma."We want to densify as opposed to spreading out in the Valley ... now we have an area we would like to densify, and the adjoining neighbours aren't happy about it, and I understand that," he said.After much discussion, councillors agreed to Coun. Doug Hillian's suggestion to postpone making a decision on third reading of the necessary bylaws until April 18 after council has heard about upgrades for Dingwall Road that are included in the budget."I think it's inevitable something will be built there, but what gives me concern is the state of the road and the infrastructure in the neighbourhood," said Hillian. "I would be more comfortable with this if we could be assured we could improve the infrastructure."writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com