Racetrack concerns ongoing

Dear Editor:

People may be aware of a situation that is ongoing here on the North Mountain. In April, we learned that a stockcar dirt track was planned for our beautiful, peaceful neighbourhood. Since then, I and others have been trying to have our situation addressed appropriately by the Annapolis County council.

After a lot of meetings and contacting various government officials and agencies, we concluded that there is a lack of protection for residents in existing legislation.

To address that, we asked that the bylaws be reviewed with specific suggestions as to what might be done. The matter was referred to the Executive Committee of Council.

On July 21, after only one meeting, the committee, passed a motion that no amendments to the bylaws were necessary. I attended that meeting and from the preliminary level of discussion, I expected that the review would be going on to future meetings. To say I was taken aback would be putting it mildly.

On August 19, council will be receiving the Executive Committee’s recommendation. It is hoped that they will reconsider and see that the matter gets the attention it deserves.

I believe that throughout all of this, residents have been denied due democratic process in not having our concerns properly listened to and heard.

This seems to be a growing problem, witness the disrespect shown the residents of Chebucto Road and Bouladerie Island in the degradation of their neighbourhooods.

All of our neighbourhoods are more vulnerable than we realize. You can help us by attending the August 19 meeting of council. In addition you can contact anyone you think might help. Also please watch this blog, http://neighbour-ronshouse.blogspot.com/, for further developments.

In helping us you will be helping your neighbourhood too.

Ron Fraser

RR 2, Kingston

fraserrr@glinx.com