Resident changes position on apartment

Colborne Creek resident John Brunke was one of those who spoke in opposition to the construction of a 14-unit apartment building on Arthur and Victoria Streets in Colborne. He has since re-thought the situation and has written the following letter to is neighbours. He has agreed to publish in in Cramahe Now.

An open letter to the neighbours:

Reference:
Proposed building on the lands located at the intersection of Victoria Street and Arthur Street in the Village of Colborne, part of lots 8, 9, and 10, Plan 64, Part 1, Plan 38R-1099.

I’d like to bring you up to date.

I attended the council meeting October 20th. About 50 neighbours attended, and some voiced their concerns. On behalf of the neighbours I presented council with a detailed letter and proposal in an effort to stop the proposed building.

Following the council meeting, I continued to review bylaws, plans, and investigated not only the history of Colborne, but also the builder.

The neighbours continued to voice their concerns that the building would be low rental or “worse”. As new information came to light, I discovered that we, as a group, might be heading in the wrong direction by trying to stop the proposed building. It is not the building that we as a group fear, but the “end use” that we fear.

Here are a few facts:

1 – The landowner and builder are entirely within the law to build either on the existing Community Facility or the re-zoned R3 land (if requested).
2 – Should the builder decide to construct any dwelling, there are many conditions that must be met before construction begins. The Township of Cramahe Officers and Staff are fully informed, have the interest of the community at the forefront of the decision process, and have your best interests as part of the decision process.
3 – The credible builder has indicated that he will retain an interest in the property and the building.
4 – The builder has listened to the neighbourhood delegation and is not only open to their suggestions, but will try to accommodate those suggestions into the building site plan and construction.
5 – The proposal from the builder fits entirely within the Provincial mandate calling for increased growth and density in new construction.
6 – The land is ideal for the proposed structure, and subject to compliance with various government agencies, should be allowed to proceed.

I have been added to the delegation list and will attend the next council meeting on November 17 in Castleton. At that time, I am prepared to speak on your behalf, any opposition or agreement to proceed with the plan to build. Should you wish to take advantage of this, please indicate your position in writing and have the note delivered to my home no later than November 16th.

After many, many hours of review, investigation, consultation with various government officials, and hearing from the town planner and builder, I am recommending to you, our neighbours, that:

1 – We support council and the builder in their efforts to satisfy the needs of our community.
2 – The government bodies that are in place be permitted to do their work, unchallenged.
3 – We accept the proposal to build, unchallenged, and carry on with our day to day activities.

I firmly believe that growth is good for our community, and as a community, we should embrace positive change.

Yours truly,
John Brunke