IT MAY BE ABOUT HAVING FRIENDS IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

There's a wrinkle  to a news story in The Auroran this week. 

Planning staff have been working with a property owner on Murray Drive to double square footage of 

a retirement centre and add seventy-eight units,more than double the current accommodation. 

No change in zoning is required. The current facility blends nicely with the neighbourhood. 

Two large schools in the vicinity generate substantial traffic. Both have doubled in size since  

first built. Buses, family and staff cars generate heavy traffic and parking on the street. 

 A town park completes the campus. Soccer and baseball facilities also generate heavy traffic.

On -street parking  frequently reduces one road to single lane traffic. 

Frontage of the proposed building expansion is on a major traffic collector. 

Area resources are stretched to the limit. You  have to live in the neighbourhood to appreciate the 

circumstance. 

 

Neighbours are rightfully concerned the proposal will create additional problems.

They have the impression, they have no right to be heard. 

Town staff explained they have been working with the applicant since May. Time limit for a decision has expired and there's a right to an OMB appeal. 

Therein lies information witheld. 

Because the site is inadequate approval of a variance is necessary for the plan to proceed. 

The Committee of Adjustment must hold a hearing. 

Neighbours are entitled to be heard . 

No reference is made to timing of the hearing . 

No advice given on the right to be heard. 

Council has a right to oppose the application. 

The news account  indicates no intention to do so. 

Contrast this account with this Council's response to neighbours of a nearby disused golf course. 

And  $3 million plus spent  on an unnecessary park in Mavrinac neighbourhood.