Chatham-Kent planning staff recommend a number of changes to the municipality’s official plan, which council heard at a special meeting Monday night.
Ralph Pugliese, director of planning, said Chatham-Kent has an oversupply of residential and commercial land. He said the C-K planning department hopes to create a sort of “land bank” in order to help with potential development for land used for future employment.
Staff recommended no change to urban settlement boundaries.
Chatham resident Paul Pomajba provided a presentation to council, representing his parents who own agricultural property behind the power centre along St. Clair Street, asking council to consider a boundary change.
Pomajba said his family has spoken to real estate officials who state many potential developers would be interested in purchasing the property, if it was located within an urban boundary.
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew entered a successful motion to have the Pomajba property included in the urban boundary.
Staff recommended changing the designation of the community of Bothwell to a hamlet in order to reflect service levels, however, East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault entered a successful motion to maintain Bothwell as a secondary urban centre
“Our town is fervently opposed to this idea,” said Jackie Beatty, on behalf of the Bothwell Community Boosters. Beatty added she believes this move would handcuff future development for the community, and potentially take services away down the line.
Bruce McAllister, project manager for Dillon Consulting Ltd., said changing Bothwell to a hamlet does move the community down on the priority list for potential future development.
West Kent Coun. Bryon Fluker entered a successful motion to have staff investigate the Forest Glades proposal to be included in the urban boundary.
Staff recommended several new policies including introducing community gardens, new housing policies and also allowing severances for woodlots for preservation.
Staff are recommending to develop a municipal energy plan and a sustainability review team.
The recommendation is set to be rubber stamped the Nov. 25 meeting of council.
