Should the proposed Glenview Park subdivision move ahead, it will include a park.
That decision was made Monday June 15, during an in-camera session following town council’s regular meeting.
Council voted to include parkland in the proposal, and further to release that information to the public.
In an interview, Mayor Spencer Coyne said the inclusion of parkland in the proposed development was already under consideration.
Given feedback from the public, “at last night’s meeting we solidified it.”
The proposed layout for the subdivision was a working document and “not written in stone,” said Coyne. “We just needed a design so we had something to go on.”
Earlier this month town council gave three readings to a bylaw to remove the park designation from Glenview Park, and begin the Alternative Approval Application process.
At the time, Coyne cited Princeton’s housing shortage.
The move resulted in the formation of an opposition group, Supporters of Princeton Parks.
Flyers were produced and distributed, a Facebook page was created, and a meeting is scheduled for June 28.
Related: Plan to develop park for housing to be reviewed by Princeton council tonight
Glenview is the only designated town-owned park in what is commonly knows as the Mine subdivision, and measures approximately one acre.
Coyne said, while he could not speak for the rest of council, he considered some of the comments from people opposing the development.
“There were some points being made about not having any playground equipment for smaller children.”
The proposed development for that space is to divide the property into up to eight residential lots. The municipality would then service the lots with water and sewer, build a cul-de-sac street with curbs, and the sell the lots to a developer.
Kathy Simpkins, one of the organizers of the park support group, said a promise to dedicate parkland is not enough. She stressed the need for green space and places to recreate.
“It’s entirely insufficient. I understand they are trying to find a middle ground, and find a concession. But honestly, it just won’t do.”
Under provincial law, any landowner securing development rights must donate either parkland, or funds, towards a park reserve.
Electoral approval is required to remove the park designation, and that is being sought through the Alternative Approval Process.
To block the project going forward, 10 per cent or more (228) of eligible voters must sign and submit a response form stating their opposition.
The forms are available online and at town hall. The deadline for submission is July 13.
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