To the editor,
I am writing to recognize the hundreds of citizens who have shown support over the years for the retention of the “open space” on the 1200 block of Nelson Street, which is sometimes referred to as the Nelson Street Park. As a result of your support and the submission of evidence, the Ontario Municipal Board has granted a hearing to review the town’s decision to rezone this open space to residential.
Most of the town’s citizens do not understand why a rezoning was needed or wanted, and do not agree with it; hence the filing of this appeal with the OMB. The granting of the hearing represents the next step in an open process and is supported by those who care about open space as well as the more than 800 people who signed our petition opposing the re-zoning.
The grounds for the appeal filed with the OMB are simple: safety and keeping children away from traffic; the positive aesthetics of open, green space; making potential space for marina growth, encouraging development in other areas of town, private and publicly owned; and affirming the many previous decisions which have declared the Nelson Street area as open space and/or a park.
Our efforts are for the current and future residents of the entire town. The people we elect should promote development where it is best, with open policies and clear public input. Clarity is important, rather than confusion. Do not undo previously designated open/green spaces unless there is a clear and compelling reason to do so.
If the town is going to enter the real estate market, or at least the property market, there should be transparent methods of disposition and pricing. Areas of growth should be supported by facts, including demographic information.
The OMB hearing will here in Fort Frances at the council chambers Thursday at 11 a.m. Two days are set aside for this hearing.
The OMB asks that if anyone wishes to participate they be here on the first day even if they have designated two days for this hearing.
People who want to contribute as party to (stand with opponents of the rezoning) or participate at this appeal may be asked to do so by the board. I will ask all of that those people, who have issues that they would like to present, please prepare them and come to the hearing.
I would suggest that anyone who would like to see or learn how citizens can take an interest in our development policies and object to what we feel is wrong attend on Thursday.
Contact me at any time.
Eric H. Rude
Fort Frances, ON
