Town of Arnprior Council has decided not to approve a proposal to create, on a temporary basis, a “contractors yard” on a site at 50 Carrs Street near the Madawaska River in the community.
The application first came forward at a Public Meeting as part of the October 23rd Council Session, and received significant feedback from neighbours opposed.
Elected representatives entertained follow-up discussion November 14th, where they were told the property owner had (some time ago) altered use of the site without permission of the municipality and was seeking the temporary authorization to allow for up to three years status quo.
The property owner is presently storing snow-removal equipment on what had been a vacant lot.
Councillor Lynn Cloutier says there were so many reasons the answer is no.
Representative Chris Couper says the issue has been a learning opportunity for all concerned.
With the application rejected, the property owner is required to dismantle the existing site at 50 Carrs Street.
Final recourse allows twenty days for the applicant to file with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
By Rick Stow