A full public lobby was in attendance at Council Chambers on Monday to provide public input on zoning changes that could allow expansion of a subdivision in the far east end of the urban part of the City of Belleville.
The proposed development is called Hanley Park North and would be east of the Mercedes Meadows development.
The subdivision has already been reconfigured after past public comment.
If finally approved as presented, Hanley Park North would feature 103 residential units consisting of 74 single-family dwellings and 29 townhouses along with parks and walkways.
The City of Belleville’s Planning Committee received a total of four pre‑submitted public presentations as well as a number of residents coming to the podium to provide public input.
Among the main concern from residents was the environmental protection of the Bell Creek natural heritage system.
According to a report from city staff, approximately 77% of the subject land will be protected from development, and new residential lots will be set back at least 30 metres from the existing wetland.
However, speakers claimed the project would destroy nearly half of provincially significant woodland and degrade adjacent wetlands and wildlife habitat.
They expressed concern about the developer’s environmental study, saying that it used an outdated standard and alleging it failed to prove there will be no negative impact, as required under provincial policy.
After discussion between members about the timeline for putting together the report, traffic impacts, the 30‑metre setback from nearby wetlands, and whether the area qualifies as significant woodland, the committee voted to receive the public input and refer it to city staff to put together a report.
The report will be brought back to the committee at a future planning meeting.
