Dear residents,
On behalf of Council, I would like to inform you of the latest news about the PPU for Farm Point. One of the most challenging aspects of being a Mayor or Councillor is having to balance one's knowledge of the needs of the larger community with the interests of a specific neighbourhood or sector. Our recent experience concerning the Farm Point sector has presented us with one of these such challenges.
Council's vision and commitment to ensuring sustainability led us to propose certain changes for the Farm Point Village that would allow:
- new, local services, including the expansion of the IGA;
- affordable housing for seniors;
- renewal of the quarry that would protect against future extraction;
- restoration of Farm Point's historical riverfront focus;
- and, improvement in walkability.
Our staff and our consultants supported Council's vision through the proposed PPU, along with the re-drawing of the village perimeter. This proposal provided a framework for some of the changes that long-time residents of Farm Point have been requesting - for themselves and for their children, the future generation.
But change - even positive change - can be unsettling. Since presenting the PPU, Council and I have been listening and responding to residents' many questions and concerns. Upon careful review, we have decided to delay the adoption of the Farm Point PPU in order to take more time to gather feedback and to re-evaluate all aspects of the proposal. Council will submit a revised version of the Farm Point PPU within the upcoming revision of both the MRC and the municipal Master Plans.
In taking this extra time, Council hopes to build consensus on what we believe are important changes for the Farm Point Village. We remain confident that, with the active participation of all residents of Farm Point, we will be able to shape a more sustainable village through a process that is as informative and as inclusive as possible.
Council and I wish to inform residents of our decision, and engage in this process as soon as possible. Next Tuesday evening, Councillor Brault and I will meet with residents at the Farm Point community centre to continue to listen to comments and feedback on the various changes proposed for the Farm Point Village.
Council and I look forward to working with residents in a constructive effort to improve both zoning and land use as well as communications between residents and Council. I am confident that together we can plan for a healthy and vibrant Village of Farm Point, for present and future generations.
Caryl Green, Mayor of Chelsea
