By Wendy Elliott
welliott@kingscountynews.ca
KingsCountyNews.ca
The controversial Micro Boutique Living Wolfville development was sent back to the town’s Community Development Committee on Feb. 12.
Five councillors discussed the project for close to two hours, then voted to send it back for more work at the committee level.
Councillors Wendy Donovan and Hugh Simpson made a motion calling for the committee to ensure the building’s façade is consistent with the town’s architectural guidelines and its mass and density are consistent with the Municipal Planning Strategy.
The committee is to take a better look at the proposed tourist use of the building as Donovan noted, “that sector (was) not considered during lead up.”
Simpson also called for another look at the mix of dwelling unit types.
During the discussion, Donovan’s comments about the need for the development to meet the town’s regulations earned her applause.
Deputy Mayor David Mangle, who took the chair when Mayor Jeff Cantwell said he was in a conflict of interest position, cautioned the 33 people in attendance to respect council.
Town lawyer Jim Dewar told councillors they have authority to do land use planning, but cannot prescribe usage for groups like senior women and the handicapped.
Director of Development Gregg Morrison suggested that the town’s regulations are written quite broadly and allows for community interpretation.
“If we want all traditional-looking buildings and not an eclectic mix, then we should change the guidelines,” he said.
Council tabled both the initial motion to approve the Main Street development and an amendment.
Several citizens showed up a second time with placards at the council meeting.
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