The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry has approved a zoning application to build townhouses in Belgrave on a lot many viewed as a community green space.
In a unanimous vote, council pushed forward with changing the lot at 30 McCrea St. from CF (Community Facility) to VR2-1 (Village Residential-Medium Density-Special Provisions), allowing the construction of a single-storey multiple attached dwelling with a maximum of four units.
The amendment drew the ire of local residents, who viewed the municipally owned property as the only green space on the Morris-Turnberry side of Highway 4. Many residents have raised concerns that children have to cross the busy county road to use the Belgrave Kinsmen Community Park, which is in the Municipality of North Huron.
Labreche Patterson & Associates Inc. Senior Planner Scott Patterson said, "from a planning standpoint, the major issues were resolved, and from a township perspective it appears we'll be able to move forward with the next stage."
Morris-Turnberry Mayor Paul Gowing slammed down the gavel at one point to maintain order during Tuesday's meeting as residents voiced displeasure over council's favour of the revised proposal, but after council said zoning amendments of this nature "is a public process, so the public has their role to play in voicing their opinion on what is happening".
Gowing admitted the changes to the original proposal, which brought down the number of units from six to four among other changes, was why he voted in favour of the amendment.
Belgrave Resident Chris Palmer appeared as a deputation and repeated his stance that the green space is needed for children and families. Palmer said residents plan to appeal the decision, but Gowing noted the appeals process can be costly.
Palmer said, "I don't want it to be expensive to either party, I just want magistrates to come here and listen to our stories, and it will be set on if things were done right on their end, and if it was all done right, then they win."