Committee set to revisit Westbrook proposal

Scott Rosts
Published on May 09, 2008

Grimsby aldermen will have another look at the proposed Westbrook subdivision next week.

Members of the Planning and Development Committee are expected to make a decision on the project, which would see more than 220 units constructed by Losani Homes on the 27-acre former Westbrook Greenhouses property, during a meeting next Tuesday night.

Ald. Nick DiFlavio says staff have brought back more information for consideration, including input from commenting agencies. In March the committee was unable to make a decision about the project following a three-hour long public meeting. Aldermen asked for more input into traffic issues, including the feasibility of a Main Street West access, density, road width and more.

During a Planning and Development Committee meeting last Tuesday Ald. Wayne Fertich said he was interested to see some of the follow-up information, particularly whether or not an access on to Main Street would be permitted.. He also weighed in with some general thoughts about the proposal, saying he doesn't like the idea of back-to-back townhouses.

"I don't want to see what is across the street in that particular area," said Fertich, referring to the three-storey townhouses in the Gardenview subdivision, just across from town hall. He also expressed concerns of density.

Ald. Nick DiFlavio said the town has already expressed its concerns and if it wishes can turn down the application in its present form.

"We are the planning committee," DiFlavio said, adding they have the say on what they accept and approve and "stand up for what we believe in".

The planning committee meeting begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. It will be considered during the regular meeting, which will follow a 6 p.m. public open house for a different planning application.