The controversy over proposed new townhomes in Belleville’s Settler’s Ridge subdivision has been settled.
That decision came after a lengthy debate at city council Tuesday night.
The rezoning by-law amendment to allow 40 townhomes on Covington Crescent in Settler’s Ridge came before council as a motion to be denied.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk argued there was new information and it should go back to the Planning Committee.
Councillor Kelly McCaw called for approval, citing a housing crisis.
Belleville Councillor Bill Sandison at city council, April 30, 2019 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Councillor Bill Sandison gave a lengthy statement arguing against the townhomes, saying he had spoken to “numerous people who are in opposition, not one in favour.”
Councillor Paul Carr told council there needs to be a policy criteria to deny rezoning and indicated it would “come up short” at an appeal hearing.
Following the meeting, Councillor McCaw told Quinte News it’s not just an affordable housing issue.
The motion to deny the rezoning went down to defeat on a vote of 7 to 2 with Mayor Panciuk and Councillor Bill Sandison voting yes.
McCaw’s motion to approve passed on a vote of 6 to 3 with Mayor Panciuk, and Councillors Paul Carr, Bill Sandison voting against.
