Arnprior Council has declined to ratify a zoning bylaw amendment that would have positioned a number of multi-storey apartment buildings at Thomas Street South and William in the community.
The developer had made concessions from its original proposal to satisfy concerns expressed by nearby residents and individual councillors, but it was not enough to satisfy a majority of those participating in Monday’s (the February 28th) municipal meeting.
Arnprior’s Mayor, Walter Stack- who, along with Councillor Lynn Grinstead, voted in favour of the staff recommendation that the zoning bylaw amendment be approved.
The vote was 3-2, with County Councillor Dan Lynch absent and Ted Strike declaring conflict because he lives near the neighbourhood in question.
The applicant may now appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) within a proscribed twenty-day period.
Mayor Stack says that given that the subdivision plan conforms with the Provincial Policy Statement on in-fill housing, it is likely the Council vote will be overturned on appeal.
As Town administration had recommended passage of the zoning bylaw amendment, Councillors would be on their own in arguing before the OLT should that be the course of action taken.
The Mayor says a Renfrew County study on traffic volumes along Daniel Street will be completed too late to impact the subdivision project- but making Thomas a through street at the Algonquin Trail would provide an additional entrance and exit from the location.
The applicant may now appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) within a proscribed twenty-day period that begins after being given written notice of the refusal.
