Implementation of a Community Improvement Plan for the township moved a step closer following a public meeting on April 11.
Among the goals of the plan, outlined by consultant Nancy Reid of Vitality Planning, are to promote Mapleton as a business friendly community and an inviting destination for visitors.
The plan would establish a program of municipal financial incentives to encourage the rehabilitation and improvement of private lands and buildings in Mapleton. Policies in the plan would enable council to offer financial incentives to private property owners.
Once approved by council, the Community Improvement Plan would enable the township to grant financial incentives to building and business owners for various purposes, including: design and study, planning application and building permit fees, façade, signage and property improvements, building improvements, accessibility, building conversion and expansion and tax increment equivalent grants for major redevelopment projects.
“I am excited about this. I think it’s well overdue. It’s not a hugely expensive project,” said councillor Marlene Ottens, noting she has sensed “a lot of excitement” about the plan around the community.
Mayor Neil Driscoll agreed.
“As Marlene said, this has been a project that I think our whole area has been waiting for, for a long time … there are some excited businesses out there,” Driscoll stated.
Council approved a resolution to receive the Community Improvement Plan and directed that a draft zoning amendment be prepared and presented at a future meeting.
