Belleville has called for public input into some proposed changes to development charges in the city.
Consultant Andrew Grunda presented the two issues involved to city council Monday night.
They involved the Central Business District and Stanley Park development.
Grunda noted the charges would not change in the Central District but the district would be expanded to the north east.
He said in the Stanley Park area there were road improvements to Station Street and Haig Road.
Since the development charges were set in 2013 and must be renewed each five years. Grunda said the city must pass a a new by-law to recover any of the cost.
Arnold Vandemeer appeared on behalf of a couple of property owners in the Stanley Park area who have concerns about the proposals for commercial or industrial sections.
Vandemeer said the road had been completed but “the commercial land hasn’t been serviced yet.”
The public can submit their opinions before March 30.
The issue comes back to council in April.
Portable signs still hanging around
There’s been no big rush by businesses to remove portable signs in Belleville since the by-law was passed by city council recently.
Director of Engineering Rod Bovay told council Monday night that one company had agreed to remove its portable signs.
Bovay said “We haven’t had the same co-operation from others.”
He noted that all the permits for the signs had expired.
Bovay did say the weather might be a factor but said staff is meeting with the city’s solicitor Tuesday to find the proper way to get the signs removed.
More money for the arts
Belleville council has increased its support of the city’s arts and culture.
At its meeting Monday night, council decided to increase its annual contribution to the Belleville Community Arts and Culture Fund to $50,000 a year, from the current $25,000.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk pointed to the contribution the arts make to the city and the fact it’s difficult for many to “keep the doors open.”
Council also agreed to increase the maximum grant from $3,500 to $5,000.
Intersection to get upgrade
Belleville has decided to begin the process of making improvements to one of the city’s busiest and more accident prone intersections.
The Transportation Master Plan of 2014 calls for an additional northbound lane on Sidney between Bridge Street West and Wilkins Street.
Council decided Monday night to hire Ainley Graham and Associates Limited to do an environmental assessment around the intersection of Sidney Street and Bridge Street West.
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