Belgrave residents pack the Morris-Turnberry council chambers to oppose the potential rezoning of land at 30 McCrea Street in Belgrave for the construction of dwelling units. (Photo by Ryan Drury)Belgrave residents pack the Morris-Turnberry council chambers to oppose the potential rezoning of land at 30 McCrea Street in Belgrave for the construction of dwelling units. (Photo by Ryan Drury)
Midwestern

Belgrave Residents Oppose Land Rezoning

Morris-Turnberry council held a public meeting Tuesday night regarding the possible construction of townhouses off Hwy. 4 in Belgrave, something a number of residents voiced their concerns over.

Residents Chris Palmer and Gord Folkard gave a presentation detailing the concerns that local residents have in regards to the rezoning of the land in question.

Palmer says the construction of the units would have a negative effect on his and his neighbours’ lives.

"That would cause property values to decline, so who would want to live beside them or near them? But we don’t want them there, we want the green space. So council has to decide essentially do they want money, in the assessment or the sale of the lots, as opposed to people," he says.

The lot is at 30 McCrea St. in Belgrave, and the application for rezoning calls for the construction of up to six dwelling units on the property, which is currently listed as Community Facility land.

Gord and Nancy Folkard were part of the presentation to demand the municipality vote down the proposal.

Nancy says the construction of townhomes would remove a key part of the village for the residents and their children.

"We have had it there, that green space, we’ve had it for years, decades," she says. "Now for some reason, maybe money, they want to take it away. We don’t see, that four to six units, which we are being told are probably going to rent to seniors, is enough of a value to take away that green space."

Mayor Paul Gowing explains why council ended up deferring the motion for now.

"There’s a lack of specific information on the proposal, and already some of the changes that would be necessary for it to move forward are being considered," says Gowing. "So, it’s just really a concept at this point, and a final plan of what’s going in there would have to be finalized still."

Mayor Gowing says among the concerns brought forward from Huron County’s perspective is the current plan doesn’t give information on the stormwater pond located nearby, or the potential requirements for a septic tank for the property.

The property at 30 McCrea Street in Belgrave that is the subject of public anger because of potential rezoning by Morris-Turnberry. (Photo by Adam Bell)

The notice of the zoning by-law amendment by Morris-Turnberry on the 30 McCrea Street property in Belgrave. (Photo by Adam Bell)

Read More Local Stories