Berwick complex neighbours concerned with noise, traffic and property values

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

Neighbours saw it coming, and are now voicing concerns with an extended development agreement between Berwick and a housing developer.

At a public hearing Nov. 10, Douglas Avenue residents turned out against F.B. Spinney Builders’ request to add two more four-unit buildings to an Orchard Street lot, now under construction with one four-unit building approved in the spring.

“We have three neighbouring properties, and now you’re adding eight more to one of them – it’s unacceptable,” said Mary Jo Graca of Douglas Avenue. “Generally, people have a street, their driveway and yard, a backyard; and then it goes again. I don’t have that in my backyard: I have a road, and they’ll all be parking there, with fumes and car doors banging.

“This is not normal planning.”

Her partner, Gene Keyes, also raised issue with the developer’s apparent “jumping the gun” on project approval with land clearing and grading behind the under-construction building. “He’s done this in advance of this hearing.” Keyes questioned the location of the development’s driveway along its east side, immediately behind half of Douglas Avenue’s west street side residences. “At least put it on the other side of the development.”

Another resident, Teresa Myles, submitted a letter to the hearing asking if the development would pressure Douglas Avenue properties’ taxes (most are older model mobile homes), or even property owners to “keep up” with newer buildings around them. She also asked about the development’s east side driveway, and the daily construction timetable, with noise and disruption for neighbours.

A final Douglas Avenue resident, Norma Slatter, asked if the developer has any plans to block a common ATV and snowmobile trail coming from Hwy. 1 through his lot and into town. Old barricades have been removed recently, and neighbours are concerned with increased noise and ATV traffic since.

Only one individual spoke in favour of the application. Joe McGrath, an Illsley Street resident and a member of the town’s Planning Advisory Committee (his term expired at the end of October, but he has been offered an extension until January and possible renewal), said he is “100 per cent in favour.

“I’ve seen that property since they started putting dirt in there for the first building. With the first unit, we can see they are very attractive and enhance the area and will add to the tax base.”

The public hearing closed and councillors held second reading at their regular session immediately following. Mayor John Prall thanked the public for its input.

“All too often, things go ahead and then we have complaints.”

Councillor Gary Whittier expressed support for residents’ concerns over the development’s east side driveway. Councillor Mike Trinacty, chairman of PAC, said that plan was accepted by PAC, and Prall reminded council there is still an old roadway there, a right-of-way to a private pit. Deputy Mayor Don Clarke said he thought the first unit had been deliberately placed as west on the property as possible, and doubted there would be room for the driveway to move to that side.

“There may be value in postponing our decision,” he said, citing concerns over the driveway, the trail barricade’s future and any potential buffering of an east side driveway.”

Councillor Anthony Morse also expressed concern site preparation appears to have been underway, but Prall said the developer was contacted and “he informed us it is his property and he can do as he wishes. He’s filled it and brought it to level.”

“He’s taking a risk,” Clarke said.

“Yes, he is,” agreed Prall. “If this is turned down, he’s done work for nothing.”

Council tabled their vote to December 2, looking for more information to appease community concerns where possible.