Saint John council has approved a large expansion at a nursing home on the city’s west side, but with some added conditions.
Sea Street Manor sought a rezoning to add an additional 18-unit special care home and a 33-unit townhouse development.
But during a recent public hearing, residents raised concerns that there was no requirement for developers to use native species for site landscaping.
Colleen Gallant referenced a section of PlanSJ municipal plan which “encourages the use of native species or vegetation for landscaping in private and public development.”
“I believe developers need more than encouragement. I think developers should be mandated to use native species in their landscaping plans and I think a knowledge base should be designed to explain the whys and how-to’s around such a policy,” Gallant said during the hearing on July 12.
As a result, city staff brought forward an amended recommendation which requires Sea Street Manor to use native species “where appropriate and feasible.”
Senior planner Mark Reade said they feel the revised condition “provides some flexibility in the landscaping plan and does provide for landscaping that’s suited for the considerations of the site.”
During Monday’s council meeting, Coun. Paula Radwan said she is pleased with the new condition for the landscaping.
“This is a piece of tonight’s packet that shows the developer was willing to work with staff, wanted to be able to change the landscape,” said Radwan.
“This is just an example of being a good corporate citizen, exactly the kind of developer that we want to work with in Saint John.”
Mayor Donna Reardon said she believes the new requirement provides a “nice balance” for the developer and the community.
“At the end of the day, you have to decide what your landscaping is going to do. Is it going to hide something? Is it going to block noise? Is it going to let light in? Is it going to be pretty all year or is it going to be barren for part of the year?” said Reardon.
“I guess that’s why I like this approach you’ve got where you actually worked with someone to see what their needs are. I think it’s reasonable rather than dictatorial.”
Reade said city staff also recognize the need to be a bit more proactive in having natural species used for site landscaping.
He said an upcoming review of the city’s Municipal Plan would be an appropriate time to take a look at that.
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