Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
The city has been crying out for more housing for some time now.
Basically, we’re bursting at the seams as we continue to grow and we need places for people to live.
But you’d be foolhardy to believe that all we need are affordable housing units for those with modest or fixed incomes. The city also needs higher-end developments to lure professionals to this community and also accommodate folks here wishing to move on up.
That’s why we’re disappointed with the “not-in-my-backyard response” to a Winnipeg developer’s plans to build a classy condominium project on the southwest corner of 18th Street and Braecrest Drive, with a magnificent view overlooking Grand Valley and the city.
The NIMBYs were out in force Wednesday night at a City of Brandon Planning Commission meeting. And while we’re the first to stand up for the little guy, in this case, we don’t understand the concern.
The planning commission voted 4-1 against the proposed development of seven condo units plus a single-family lot by Jon Hooker and his Caddy Lake Investments after the vast majority of the 50 people attending the hearing spoke against the idea.
“To sum it up, this is a ridiculous idea,” said Maureen Munroe, an area resident. “It’s a great place to live. We just don’t want you to bugger it up.”
Hooker told the Sun he was disappointed that his project, valued at between $2 million and $3 million, will not likely go ahead if he can’t get city council approval for the rezoning of the land and variance.
Brandon lawyer Chuck Meighen, representing a few of the area residents, also spoke out against the project.
“The area to the west of 18th Street is somewhat unique to Brandon in that it is all single-family dwellings (and) has a rural setting, narrow roads, no curbs, no sidewalks and no shoulders,” Meighen said.
“These are characteristics that are the reasons people are drawn there.”
However, the problem with that argument is that as the city grows, it’s exactly those types of areas within its boundaries that are going to be sought after by developers.
And we don’t see how this modest development will grossly impact what we acknowledge to be a congested intersection at 18th Street North and Braecrest Drive. At any rate, any traffic issues at that intersection are a problem for the province to solve as it’s a provincial highway.
Ultimately, we agree with Sandy Trudel, the city’s economic director, who spoke in favour of the project. She correctly noted that any new development takes pressure off the increasing demand for housing in the city.
The planning district board voted only to recommend that the project not proceed. Brandon City Council could overturn that with a vote of its own at a future council meeting. And this will be a classic test for city council on a couple of levels.
At first glance, the rep for the area, Jeff Fawcett (Assiniboine), wouldn’t help his political future by angering those opposed to the condo development. He is bound, in theory, to represent the wishes of people in his ward. But he is only one vote on council.
We suggest Fawcett canvass his ward to see if what transpired on Wednesday evening isn’t just a “squeaky wheel gets the grease” scenario.
Then there’s the issue of the developer’s past relations with the city.
Hooker is the man who accomplished what no local developer cared to do by saving and restoring the historic CP Rail station on Pacific Avenue, which is now the beautiful home to Westman Immigrant Services.
However, his family’s Noniko Investments angered city council and many city officials following the partial collapse of the Brown Block on 10th Street in March 2011.
While the Brown Block’s collapse and subsequent extended street closure was a blight on our city, we hope council doesn’t let any hard feelings from that event shade their view on Hooker’s future plans, including this condo project.
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition April 7, 2012
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The city has been crying out for more housing for some time now.
Basically, we’re bursting at the seams as we continue to grow and we need places for people to live.
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
The city has been crying out for more housing for some time now.
Basically, we’re bursting at the seams as we continue to grow and we need places for people to live.
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 1 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Posted by:Bandb
April 9, 2012 at 1:52 PM
I'd like to hear Hooker's side of the story in dealing with the City of Brandon on the 10th Street Brown Block debacle. I'm sure there's a little blame on both sides for that.