A divide remains in Rothesay when it comes to a proposed 60-unit condo project that would be built on Hillcrest Drive.
Over 30 people turned out to the second public hearing at the local high school, held after the project was revised and ultimately scaled down and the two 24-unit buildings now proposed further back from the highway. Resident Tina Taylor Overing was one of those who spoke out against.
“I’m most concerned that staff’s vision for our town, as articulated in the presentation, is very different from the vision articulated by residents in their letters submitted this evening,” she says.
Gillian Wallace of Rothesay says complaints from those who live nearby will likely be dismissed as cases of not-in-my-backyard syndrome, but she doesn’t think that’s what is driving the opposition:
“I believe these residents are genuinely concerned about possible flooding issues, the density of the proposed project, and as it is within walking distance of five schools, the public safety issue,” says Wallace.
Deborah Henderson spoke out in favour. She’s ready to downsize, but asks where and her husband are going to go. Real estate agent Noreen Russell also spoke in favour.
“If I were selling your house, I would be using that as an asset,” says Russell.
Susan Webber Flood says her home is much too big for her now and she’s been all over Rothesay looking for a one level low maintenance small property:
“I’ve paid taxes in Rothesay for a long time, and my taxes have gone to the infrastructure that we’re enjoying now and I’d like to feel that Rothesay values my contribution that I made all those years and has a place for me to live as I’m getting older.”
The project includes two 24-unit condo buildings and 12 garden homes. We’re told Rothesay council will vote on rezoning on Monday which town staff is recommending they approve.
