Register triggered on seniors' project

BY ANDY BLATCHFORD

andy.blatchford@transcontinental.ca



Beaconsfield residents moved one step closer to blocking a controversial development project by triggering a referendum register last month.

The register was announced at last week’s city council meeting.

Eighteen eligible citizens signed up to oppose a zoning change that would allow a developer to build a high-end senior's residence on the grounds of the former Fresh Meadows Golf Course.

If 16 out of the 47 the qualified voters from the immediate neighbourhood – along Sidney Cunningham Street – sign the Nov. 9 register, Beaconsfield would have the choice to hold a referendum to realize the zoning change.

However, Beaconsfield Mayor Bob Benedetti hinted the city would not pursue a referendum on the issue because it would be too expensive. If this is the case, the project, proposed by American developer Sunrise, would not go ahead as planned.

Part of the property in question is zoned for commercial use and it must be changed to allow residential buildings.

Tumultuous public consultations and meetings with the city and Sunrise officials over the project have been well-attended since the summer. Local residents fear the development would bring more traffic to the area and eliminate a popular green space, which also serves as a buffer for the nearby Angell Woods. The development could spur a second phase that would bring more units to the area, according to Sunrise's proposal.

Those in favour of the project maintain there is a need for a seniors' facility in Beaconsfield. Some are concerned that possible alternatives to the residence, if it is blocked, could include commercial businesses and more roads.

Beaconsfield council voted five to two in favour of the zoning change that would permit the proposed 96-unit, 240,000 square-foot complex.

Beaconsfield passed a notice of motion at Monday's meeting to ensure road servitudes behind homes on Sidney Cunningham would be turned into to parkland, which would create a 66-foot buffer from the residence. But this change will only proceed if the project goes ahead, Benedetti said.