The public hearing for a proposed industrial park expansion in Saint John’s Lorneville community continued for a third night on Tuesday.
More than a dozen people added their voices to the chorus of opposition to the controversial proposal for the Spruce Lake Industrial Park.
The city wants to add more than 1,500 acres of land to the industrial park, describing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
However, many from the Lorneville community and beyond are not on board with the plan and have raised their concerns.
Michael Lynch, one of several residents who spoke, questioned how many jobs the expansion would actually create for the community.
“Are we building a future for our community or selling it off to corporations who don’t care if we thrive or suffer?” he questioned.
Which businesses are interested?
One of the sticking points for residents has been a lack of information about what corporations may be looking to come to the community.
Council previously heard there is formalized interest for a data centre project and a green manufacturing project with a combined capital investment of more than $2 billion.
Bruce Martin said that while he is not opposed to expanding the industrial park in Lorneville, he feels the current proposal is too close to existing homes in the community.
“I have a good friend who comes to my place and takes jugs of water home for his dog. I have visitors that never had a cup of tea like they have at my place. I don’t want that to be ruined,” he said.
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The proposal first came before the city’s planning advisory committee and council several months ago, but council directed staff to create a task force to facilitate further discussions after hearing overwhelming opposition from residents.
Staff later came back to council with an updated application, which includes larger setbacks from residential areas in the community.
Industrial buildings must be at least 250 metres from residential property lines, while any uses considered volatile would have a 500-metre setback. There will also be a permanent natural treed buffer area of 150 metres.
In addition, only “non-emitting industries” — those without smokestacks — would be allowed. Several land uses would be prohibited, asphalt plants, petroleum refineries, metal shredding and scrap or salvage yards.
Council also heard that of the more than 500 hectares of land they are looking to add to the industrial park, less than half of it would actually be developed at full buildout.
Public hearing to continue
Residents, however, made it clear to council that they were still not on board with the uncertainty surrounding what sort of industry could be going in their community.
They are also concerned about the loss of trees, the impact on wetlands and how any development could affect their well water.
With council hearing from the remaining people who wanted to speak in opposition on Tuesday night, they voted to defer the matter until June 16, when those in support will get the chance to have their say.
If they do approve the rezoning and municipal plan amendment, the province must still approve the environmental impact assessment application.