By Jessie Weisner

352 Primrose SE rezoning passes first reading

Nov 19, 2018 | 8:17 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — City Council has approved first reading to rezone 352 Primrose Drive SE from Open Space to Medium Density Residential.

Six Council members voted yes, while Councillor Friesen, Hirsch and Dumanowski voted against.

However, Mayor Ted Clugston says the first reading of a bylaw doesn’t necessarily reflects council’s opinion on the topic.

“The idea is being you need to let things follow the process, get it on the floor,” says Clugston. “Of course this one will attract a public hearing. Council’s supposed to keep an open mind and not make their decision until they’ve heard both sides of the story, presentations, public hearing.”

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A public hearing will be held in a months time, and Council will make their final decision afterwards.

If the bylaw were to pass, multiple unit residential developments would be allowed, including apartments, duplexes and backyard suites.

The proposal has faced a multitude of public disapproval, and Councillor Dumanowski says his vote was reflecting that.

“I really believe if we want to create harmonious environments and communities we have to reflect on the solid voices that come with that support or against that,” says Councillor Dumanowski “In this particular case the community is not in support and I think it would be a lost effort on councils part to challenge that.”

Residents have cited multiple concerns such as loss of green space, increases in traffic, and geotechnical issues.

Mayor Clugston says he understands the opposition.

“I have to be somewhat neutral here because I am supposed to wait for a public hearing to hear both sides,” says Clugston. “But I mean that is a very established neighborhood with the golf course, and people have invested a lot of money in their houses with the expectation that it would remain how it is.”

If the land is rezoned, it doesn’t necessarily mean any development will go through.

“So there is a purchaser,” says Clugston. “We wouldn’t be just doing a land use change just to do one but that doesn’t mean this is going to happen in any way.”

Any new development would have to abide by strict City standards and be approved by Planning and Development Services. Afterwards, it would be advertised to the public for three weeks, giving residents an opportunity to express concerns.

The public hearing is scheduled for December 17.

More to come..