Council delays decision to move forward with controversial development

Story by Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist & Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

The decision to move forward with the development at 4085, 4091 and 4097 Bath Road has been delayed.

Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, environmental advocates in Kingston were calling for council to delay the decision to move forward with this development near Collins Creek, raising concerns with the impact on the surrounding forest and wildlife.

When the motion came before council, Counc. Conny Glenn asked that the development located on Bath Road be singled out for discussion, raising concerns regarding the environmental impact of the development.

In addition to environmental concerns, Counc. Glenn Also pointed out the pressure this would put on the already congested roads in the area, and the affordability of the units proposed, calling it a “sprawling development” and “clearly not affordable housing”.

Counc. Glenn and Counc. Lisa Osanic both were opposed to the development at the planning committee meeting earlier this month, when a vote of 3-2  in support of zoning bylaw and official plan amendments for the development pushed it through to council.

Counc. Osanic put forward the motion to defer in order to allow more time for environmental studies and to look into options which would have less impact on the surrounding environment.

Those in opposition to the deferral pointed out that taking more time to make this decision could prompt the developers to bring the case to the Ontario Land Tribunal, taking the decision out of council’s hands.

While Council was divided between environmental stewardship and providing more housing, council voted 9-4 to delay the decision and have the project undergo a scaled environmental assessment.