Development dilemma
Mixed opinions over rezoning of Stratford waterfront property
Many Stratford residents and councillors agree the Southport Motel property overlooking the waterfront is the most valuable piece of land in the town.
However, that was where the consensus ended as residents shared mixed opinions over the future of the property following a special council meeting on Wednesday night.
Stratford council passed the first reading of a bylaw amendment to rezone a portion of the property from Waterfront Mixed Use (WMU) and Waterfront Public Space (WPS) to Waterfront Residential (WR).
If council passes the second reading and adoption during its March meeting, it would allow for Pan American Properties Inc. to apply for a permit to construct a 79-unit, five-storey apartment building with underground parking on the site.
Stratford resident Mary Hughes said she was opposed due to traffic concerns, as well as the change to the scenery.
“This is the first stage of completely putting a box over the seaview,” she said, adding that she knew someone previously involved in a major car accident in the area.
“We’re going to add 160 more cars coming out of one side, and God knows how many others, and nobody has considered that.”
Hughes is a member of a group of residents who say they will continue to oppose the development.
“We’re not finished.”
On the other hand, residents like Mike Chapman gave the plan a thumbs-up.
Chapman said the units would be a good fit for those like himself who are looking to downsize.
“We want to stay in Stratford, and this is an ideal situation for us,” he said, adding that the proposed development has been updated to include almost an acre more of green space for the public. “That’s a win-win on both sides.”
Mayor David Dunphy said a previous public meeting saw a lot of feedback both for and against the original rezoning application.
After hearing many concerns over the need for green space, Dunphy said council and the developer agreed to modify the original plan.
The town now has an agreement in principle to purchase a portion of the land on the waterfront side, which would be an extra 100 foot by 400 foot parcel that would be kept as green space.
The agreement will also see an extension to Michael Thomas Way.
During discussions, many councillors said rezoning request was a difficult decision to make.
It was noted that council had to consider the land was zoned as waterfront public space but was not publicly owned land.
Planning chairman Keith MacLean said while he originally wanted to see a smaller condo units, he has come around to the new plan.
“When I look at this original development compared to what we’re voting on today, I’m in favour (of it),” said MacLean.
Coun. Jody Jackson said while he also struggled with the decision, he noted that council had previous opportunities to purchase the land and passed it up.
“I have to commend the developer, council and our staff for what we feel is the best possible solution at this point,” he said.
“We feel like we’ve reached a good compromise here.”
“This is the first stage of completely putting a box over the seaview. We’re going to add 160 more cars coming out of one side, and God knows how many others, and nobody has considered that.” Mary Hughes