Rezoning to facilitate the expansion of a mill operation here will have to wait until environmental issues are sorted out.
A public meeting was held at the Mapleton council chambers on Nov. 12 on an application to rezone a 2.07 acre property in Wallenstien from future development and natural environment to rural industrial.
The land, owned by David and Annie Bauman, is proposed to be merged with the neighbouring Wallenstein Feed and Supply property, and used for a septic tile bed and storm water management area.
The change would allow the zoning on the property to match the zoning on the neighbouring Wallenstein Feed Mill property. Mill owners are planning to purchase the property from the Baumans and are planning the construction of a fourth mill at the site.
A lot line adjustment application on the property is to be heard by the Wellington County land division committee in December.
Wellington County senior planner Mark Van Patter, in a report presented at the meeting, stated approval of the application should be deferred to provide an opportunity to sort out the environmental issues – regional floodplain and unevaluated wetland.
He noted the Grand River Conservation Authority is requesting a geodetic survey and environmental impact study.
“If the environmental issues can be addressed, I would be in support of the rezoning,” stated Van Patter, adding a draft amending bylaw will be prepared for council consideration once the studies have been completed.
No one spoke in opposition to the proposal during the public meeting.
