A proposal along the western boundary of Puslinch to convert an existing building into a combination hotel, conference centre, and restaurant has drawn an unusual delegation – of Cambridge residents.
The trouble is, the development is actually in Cambridge and thus, for the most part, outside of Puslinch control.
None-the-less, a small group of residents appeared before council on April 17 to share their concern about the proposal.
The site is located in an unserviced section of the North Hespeler area of Cambridge, approximately 500 to 650 metres from municipal sewage and water services.
Plans include a two-phase development including a 10 room hotel, with dining and conference facilities for a maximum of 75 persons.
The ultimate development could include a hotel (up to 40 rooms), conference centre (up to 150 seats), and restaurant (up to 150 seats).
Puslinch councillors made allowance for a delegation on the matter since there was already correspondence relating to the proposal within the council agenda.
The agenda included a functional servicing report which examined how water and septic service would be provided to the site which is currently not connected to municipal services.
However Mayor Dennis Lever cautioned members of the group to stick to the matter before council.
He said the group was free to come at another time to discuss other issues – through the regular notification process.
Council had no objection to waiving the procedural rules to allow a member of the group to speak.
Phil Osborne, representing a group of local citizens in the area, stated there are a number of intertwining issues related to the Blackbridge Mill Inn project.
Osborne lives on the Cambridge side of Townline Road.
“I am speaking on behalf of the Black Bridge Community Association, which was registered earlier this year and includes the community and surrounding neighbourhood.”
The association has roughly 30 household memberships, including several on the Puslinch side of Townline Road, Osborne said.
Osborne said the mill development is one of two significant projects which could have a major impact on the community.
The other related issue, he said, is the ongoing environmental assessment commissioned by the city of Cambridge.
“As members of the neighbourhood in close proximity to the mill, we feel if the mill is developed to the full extent of phases one and two, it could have significant negative implications.”
Osborne said there could be significantly higher amounts of traffic in the area.
He noted his own property is adjacent to the development and said one of the parking areas would be within about 30 feet of his family room.
While Osborne realized it was only a report being submitted to council that night, he asked that council defer any further requests for approval or acceptance of submissions until Cambridge completes the environmental impact assessment and cultural heritage study.
Councillor Wayne Stokley thanked the group for bringing the concerns to council’s attention.
Stokley had been aware of studies regarding the bridge itself, but not of this other project.
“Never was this mill proposition brought up.”
He too, had concerns with the possible impact to traffic in the area.
“The amount of traffic in that area can only get worse.”
He too would like to see more relative information from the city, specifically about the traffic flow.
Osborne said other development in the area has increased the area traffic ten-fold.
“It’s horrendous.”
He also did not see how the overall project would even fit on the site.
“We’re not against some development of the mill, but we want to help manage it in a way that will be positive to both the developer and the neighbours.”
Mayor Lever made it abundantly clear that most of the project lies outside the jurisdiction of Puslinch council as Blackbridge Mill is located in Cambridge.
“You do realize the development is on the Cambridge side,” Lever said. “It is not up to us to approve this.”
He added that Puslinch can voice objections because the project is along the municipal boundary, “but it is not an approval process which will be coming to this council.”
Lever recommended the group should consider making its case before the Cambridge planning department and council.
Osborne said the group has made the pitch within Cambridge.
“But we felt it was important to update you folks since our neighbourhood association includes members from Puslinch.”
Lever again stated that it is not up to Puslinch to grant approval.
