HAY RIVER - Like a recurring bad dream, a controversial vacant lot on Cameron Crescent returned to the agenda of Hay River town council at a Jan. 10 meeting.

What to do with the .23-hectare lot arose as a controversy in 2004 and 2008 when the owners applied for rezoning from institutional to multi-family residential.

That sparked opposition by area residents, who feared a multi-family residential complex would be built in the single-family neighbourhood.

In 2004 and 2008, council rejected rezoning.

In 2009, there was some discussion between the owners and the previous council about the town possibly buying the lot.

Several weeks ago, council was again contacted by the lot owners, Jeff and Erin Griffiths.

Coun. Ken Latour noted councillors talked about the issue a few months ago and came to a consensus they want to negotiate with the Griffiths over possibly purchasing the lot and putting an end to the controversy.

Latour said the issue has been around for years and has caused a lot of stress for many people.

Coun. Dawna O'Brien said the onus should be on the Griffiths to put the lot on the market first to see if there is any other interest.

Coun. Bernie Langille noted people in the neighbourhood are "unnaturally adverse" to any development of the lot and he doubts anyone would buy it, adding he expects it will become parkland.

"I don't think you could build a dollhouse there and not get any backlash from it," he said.

Deputy mayor Mike Maher said rezoning of the lot should also be considered.

Council will further discuss the issue at its next meeting on Jan. 24.

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