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Planner Lori Bickford made the case for the rezoning at a public hearing before Tantramar council on September 23, and acknowledged that normally industrial and residential zones do not mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf this was a proposed new location for industrial, it most likely would not be supported,\u201d said Bickford. \u201cTypically, we aim to separate industrial uses from residential activity. However, due to the subject property having been in this location for as long as it has\u2026 this is somewhat of a unique situation.\u201d Beale and Inch has operated at 146 York Street for 55 years, according to owner Brett Beale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The property in question is a large tract that stretches back from York Street, and abuts the back of a series of residential properties along Raworth Heights. Bickford told council that she didn\u2019t think the changes to the property would create \u201ca significant impact on the surrounding area from what it is currently today,\u201d but said to avoid potential conflicts, Plan 360 recommends certain conditions attached to the rezoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The conditions include a limit on future development of the property to fit an approved site plan, and to restrict any future change to the use of the property, so that it can only be a construction company, and not any of the other permitted uses permitted in the industrial zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bickford also explained that the company would be required to maintain the treed buffer on their property, extend the length of a berm along the Raworth Heights side of their property, and erect a fence on top of the berm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A number of Raworth Heights residents were in the gallery for the public hearing, but only one got up to speak. Andrew Wilson summarized a number of issues that he and a group of other residents had brought up in a letter to council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe reality is that we do have a business and an industrial property that is situated immediately adjacent to a residential area. So it’s not entirely ideal,\u201d said Wilson. \u201cExtra care and consideration needs to be given to this situation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wilson said residents were concerned with the effects of the rezoning on local property values, about a potential increase to the noise and traffic generated by Beale and Inch, and also the dust and air pollution generated on the site. The letter from residents describes a noticeable layer of dust and grit on windows facing the property, which they say is concerning due to what it indicates about the air quality surrounding their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wilson told council he felt positive that some of the conditions Bickford had included along with the rezoning would help counter some of the effects residents were worried about, but concerns remained, such as the quality of the treed buffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe existing tree line that’s mentioned in the motion has been much reduced in recent years, and it’s really not adequate as it stands right now,\u201d said Wilson. \u201cThat natural barrier between the bordering properties would need to be substantially augmented for it to provide a screen between the properties.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wilson also said that residents were concerned for the long term, because the rezoning would apply indefiniltey. Despite the condition Bickford described to limit future changes to the approved site plan, Wilson said citizens were concerned that the conditions might not be followed in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chmafm.com\/welcome\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/beale-and-inch-site-plan-1280x945.jpg\")
‘Extra care and consideration’<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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