It was almost unanimous.
Belleville council has supported its planning committee and has denied a rezoning to allow a homeowner on Octavia Street to continue to operate eight vending machines outside on his driveway.
Only mayor Mitch Panciuk and counillor Tyler Allsopp supported homeowner and vending machine operator Juan Hernandez. Allsopp who used to live nearby and said the machines were a bonus for many in the neighbourhood.
He did admit Hernandez did not follow the city’s regulations.
“I know that obviously this did not come about in the correct way however I’m much more interested in seeing someone become compliant than become punished.”
Now operating for almost four years, the vending machines were in contravention of Belleville’s Official Plan and several zoning by-laws.
The homeowner could still appeal the decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
(Photo: Belleville Planning Advisory Committee)
