ESTEVAN — Estevan city council has decided to wait to make its decision on a rezoning bylaw that would allow for multi-family residential buildings to be constructed on Wellock Road.
During the Aug. 11 meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, council tabled second reading on the bylaw, which would consolidate 25 single-family residential lots fronting Wellock Road into seven multi-family parcels to accommodate 12-plexes. Verity Developments is partnering with Essex Developments on the proposed project.
Early in the meeting, Justin Nixon from Verity addressed council to explain the background and the economic benefits of the project. Land development services manager Richard Neufeld also answered some of council's questions.
A public meeting was also held, with two opportunities for the public to provide feedback. After Mayor Tony Sernick explained the rules, Dave Dayman, Stephen Truman and Josh Biggs brought forward their concerns about the development. Dayman and Biggs questioned a conflict of interest for Coun. Kirsten Walliser due to her friendship with Nixon. Walliser later declared a conflict and recused herself not only from the meeting, but future discussions.
Cory Casemore and Dakota Zimmerman used the second call for comments to discuss their opposition to the project, citing concerns with how this development contravenes the official community plan and more. All five presenters wanted to see the subdivision, known as the Meadows, remain the same, with the 25 single-family residential lots fronting Wellock Road, and the 12-plexes behind the houses.
When it came time for second reading of the rezoning bylaw, Coun. Shelly Veroba motioned for the subdivision to remain the same. Coun. Brian Johnson and Coun. Dave Elliott voted in favour. Mayor Tony Sernick, Coun. Tom Mauss and Coun. Mathew Dubowski were opposed, and the motion was lost.
Mauss then called for second reading, but after some discussion and a suggestion from city manager Jeff Ward, council opted to table the bylaw to allow for Verity to have further community consultation and collect more public feedback.
The bylaw is expected to be discussed again at council's Sept. 8 meeting. Another public hearing is scheduled to happen at that time.
Council gave first reading to the bylaw at a meeting on July 18. An open house was held Aug. 1.
More to come.
