Hay River (Nov 01/04) - A Hay River neighbourhood has won its battle to prevent a 12-plex from being built in its midst.

On Oct. 18, council voted 4-2 to reject an application to rezone .23 hectares of land on Cameron Crescent/Woodland Drive. The land is currently zoned institutional and the applicants want it changed to multi-family residential.

Area residents argued a 12-plex would increase traffic and parking problems, create unsafe conditions for children and devalue nearby properties in the single-family neighbourhood.

Only councillors Ron Cook and Robert Bouchard supported second reading of the rezoning application. Councillors Dean McMeekin, Vince McKay, Peter Maher and Tom Hamilton were opposed.

Cook noted residents have previously opposed a young offenders facility for the land, which once contained a friendship centre.

The councillor said multi-family rezoning was a good compromise. "I believe rezoning is needed to get something done on this property."

McMeekin said he respected the residents' wishes against rezoning and Hamilton said he heard their concerns at a Sept. 21 public meeting.

Maher said he would like to see residents and the developer come forward with a proposal that everyone could agree on.

No other reason

Land owner Jeff Griffiths says it appears there was no reason to deny the rezoning, other than residents' concerns. "It appears to be all emotional," he said. "What's council's position on development in this town?"

The developer noted studies by the town planner showed a zoning change from institutional to multi-family residential would have had little or no impact.

Griffiths, who can't appeal the council decision, says he has no plans to sell the land.

"It's a good piece of property."

However, he is not sure what to do with the land, which has an estimated market value of about $150,000.

Decision applauded

Ronald Karp, one of the leaders of the residents' opposition, says council made the right decision.

However, he criticized the councillors who supported rezoning. "Anybody who couldn't understand our position is bad for Hay River."

About 20 residents applauded when council rejected the application. However, Karp says most figured they were going to lose.

Karp says a couple of houses or a senior citizens' home would be a good use for the land.

"Until this property is settled and developed, (this issue) is just not going to go away."