Public opinion divided on Lafford building proposal
Developer John Lafford plans to start construction on a new apartment building behind the historic Fisher House by mid-July.
Lafford made the statement at a public hearing before Tantramar Council concerning two proposed zoning bylaw changes that would make way for his development, a six-storey, 71-unit apartment building at 131 Main Street.
Council didn’t discuss or debate the amendments after the hearing on Tuesday afternoon, but will have a chance to do so at their next regular meeting on July 11.
Before Lafford can proceed, his requested amendments need to pass three readings in council, taking place over at least two meetings. The next regular meeting after July 11 is scheduled for August 8, but council also has the ability to call a special meeting at any time.
‘A divisive issue in our community’
The gallery of Tantramar council chambers was packed with over 40 people for the public hearing on Tuesday.
Plan 360 planner Lori Bickford started by laying out the case for the amendments, which would rezone part of the property and then amend that zone to allow for taller buildings up to 65 feet in height. Bickford included a site plan in her presentation, but did not present renderings of what the building would look like in context, a point of concern raised early on by some residents.… Continue