Two Sisters withdraws Randwood appeal

Residents opposed to plans for a hotel and conference centre on the Randwood estates property are counting the developer’s withdrawal of a Local Planning Appeals Tribunal claim as a victory.

Late last week Two Sisters Resorts Corp., owned by Benny Marotta, withdrew its appeal against the town and its lag in approval, or lack thereof, for construction of a six-storey hotel and convention centre with two levels of underground parking at 144 and 176 John St. E., effectively cancelling a hearing on the issue scheduled for Monday of this week.

“Our view all along has been their application wasn’t complete in the first place,” said Lyle Hall, a spokesperson for the Save Our Randwood Estates (SORE) citizens group.

He accused the developer of trying to force the application through despite objections from area residents and the town concerning the size and scope of the project.

“It’s too big, it’s too tall, it generates too much traffic,” said Hall.

“SORE believes there are serious deficiencies in the Marotta proposal in terms of required information,” Hall said in an email, adding, “for example, the convention centre hotel relies on 200 John St. for access yet that property, and the appropriate studies on it, were never included in the application.”

In a written response from Two Sisters, via Sullivan Mahoney LLP senior counsel Thomas Richardson, fairness and cost efficiency were cited as reasons for withdrawing the appeal.

“In terms of next steps, Mr. Marotta and his legal team are focused on continuing their efforts to work with the town and SORE to find a solution that works for everyone,” Richardson wrote.

The withdrawal of the LPAT appeal came even as the town pursues third-party heritage designation of the property, a move that has also been appealed by the developer.

“Council will continue to do what it feels is in the best interest of the town, taking into account the advice from our staff, legal counsel and consultants,” wrote Lord Mayor Betty Disero in an email, adding, “We continue to believe that the conservation of the heritage attributes is essential no matter what forum we are in front of.”

The town and SORE both said they are looking into recovering legal costs.