An in-person public meeting was held last night, March 9, 2022, where residents were able to voice their concerns about the proposed asphalt plant.
During the meeting a deputation was first heard from Michael Nobes, General Manager of Growth and Expansion. He began with noting the meeting was not a statutory public meeting under the planning act, however, it was a special meeting of council with the intention to allow members of the public to speak to council regarding the proposed rezoning application made by Tomlinson. Nobes highlighted concerns heard during their virtual meeting held February 24, 2022.
Following the town’s deputation, Rob Pierce, senior vice president with Tomlinson group made a deputation.
Then, the floor opened for public comments. Because this meeting was not the statutory public meeting under the planning act, that meant neither the town nor the applicant had their full teams of subject matter experts available to respond to questions.
21 individuals stood before council to voice their opinions. Many shared concerns of how close this would be to residential areas, the air pollution with and potential smell, and concerns were shared about runoff into the Napanee River. Residents shared their concerns for the noise of the proposed 24 hours plant, as well as the increase of heavy traffic that would be going to and fro. Parents and grandparents shared their concerns for the safety of students who would be waiting for the school bus in those high traffic areas, and wanting to make sure that in the future this is a safe town for their children and grandchildren to want to return to.
Due COVID-19 regulations at the time, the first meeting under the planning act was held virtually. Local’s in attendance shared their wishes to have a third meeting in person.
Napanee Mayor Marg Isbester had this to say following the public comments.
Staff will now consider all comments made when making a recommendation for council’s consideration. Council will then make their decision regarding the application. Staff are striving to have the recommendation report for the April 5, 2022, meeting.
This in-person meeting was streamed live on the town’s YouTube channel, where you can watch the re-play if you’d like.
Written by Emily Chatwood
