Wolfville planning: round two

BY WENDY ELLIOTT

Kings County Register

Planning chairman Bob Wrye did an end run April 22 around residential controversy in Wolfville by proposing a temporary hiatus and a further engagement with the community within a year.

Over 220 people turned out to the meeting at Wolfville School, set to examine residential issues in the draft Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) for a second time after a fractious April 15 session.

Wrye began by calling for a more civil response, and then Councillor David Mangle listed a set of norms for the meeting so "we can be police-persons of ourselves."

Before discussion started, Wrye's dual proposal was approved by the committee. Mangle called the motion too premature and Glen Bissix indicated "time is short to make necessary changes in lifestyle. Density is a critical issue." They were the only ones to vote against the proposal.

Jim Laceby spoke to what he views as essential but missing economic and social aspects of the draft, but Wrye ruled them as not required in a landuse planning document. Committee member Liz Kosters, however, stated she is of the opinion economics is a large factor.

"We need more flexible zoning."

Jane Mangle called for more discussion to bring about clarity to issues such as home occupations in the single family zone.

"We need to make changes. It's already happening, when we could be doing it honestly."

Doug Lutz questioned the built-in bias he sees in the operation of the committee. He even called the draft fatally flawed and suggested the over two-year-old process start again.

At that, Doug Hergett stood up and said of previous meetings "it's on our heads that we didn't come out."

Wrye added, in his experience with two previous MPS revisions, "no one came out till the draft document was ready."

Mangle responded by saying he felt maligned by Lutz's allegations. Chris Killacky twice echoed Lutz' comment the process should be re-accessed.

Maple Ave. resident Valerie Gray stood to call for her street to be zoned low density rather than medium.

Planner Karen Dempsey was called upon to explain the conservation and environmental stewardship policies in the new MPS - all of which, she said, were designed to "do the least amount of damage."

Doug Crossman spoke about the older, quite derelict buildings in his Bay St. neighbourhood that need stewardship. Dempsey pointed out, given their environmental footprint, they should be maintained.

John Gordon pointed out a policy on wetlands that sounded vague, while Dempsey noted wetlands are a provincial environment department responsibility anyway.

Kosters, a geologist, suggested several changes to the draft that would clarify the mapping of three watercourses, as well as contours, rock and soil, and flood plains.

Finally, Bob Lutes commented the relationship between the population and town council has been strained.

"We've been napping," he said.

The next meeting to look at the draft MPS will be May 6, at a location yet to be determined.