Town officials are not saying as much, but it appears there may now be a preferred lot for the proposed Habitat for Humanity project in?Erin.
After a closed session at the end of its Feb. 16 meeting, council voted to declare as surplus a town-owned former well property on Mountainview Crescent, near the 9th Line.
Clerk Kathryn Ironmonger told the Advertiser town staff was directed to prepare an advertisement calling for bids on the property, which council has intended to declare surplus for some time.
When asked if the town anticipates the property will become the new home to a Habitat for Humanity project, Ironmonger said council is not saying that.
The property was identified last month by town planner Sally Stull as one of seven possible locations for a home for Habitat for Humanity Wellington County (HHWC).
While the lot is “irregular” shaped, Stull told council it provides “adequate frontage for driveway, house and septic” and “would not directly impact anyone.”
In subsequent correspondence to the town, Habitat officials indicated their preferred location would be a smaller lot on Waterford Drive, on an unopened road allowance.?
Several residents on that road objected to the idea last week, citing concerns that included how a Habitat home could affect property values in the area and how it would suit the existing neighbourhood.
Councillor Ken Chapman said he would welcome the project in his own neighbourhood and called the Waterford Drive location “the most suitable” in the village of Erin.
“If we constantly put walls up, then nothing gets done,” he said.
Mayor Rod Finnie thanked Habitat officials for their delegation and residents for their input. He said council needed more time to consider the matter before making a decision.
Later that night, council voted to declare the Mountainview lot as surplus.
Councillors had previously discussed donating a piece of land for the Habitat project, but Stull warned of setting a precedent.
Councillors also discussed the possibility of selling a lot to Habitat, and then making a donation to the group to help offset the cost.
Habitat officials have identified the Mountainview lot as their third choice, after the Waterford Drive location and another lot on Kenneth Street.
