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"A Family Tradition for 132 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, April 14, 1998 - 11 Tempers flare in debate over Saintfield salvage yard By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star It appears as both sides have run out of patience in the debate over a vehicle salvage yard in Saintfield. Yard owner Peter Rabin told councillors Monday afternoon he is being "discriminated against" by the council. He said he'll drop plans to negotiate a site plan agreement with the township for his business, called Dodge City Truck Parts, on the west side of Hwy. 12 north of Greenbank. At that, several councillors indicated the Township will pursue legal action under Scugog's property stan- dards bylaw, in an effort to get the site cleaned up. At issue is the number of vehicles that can be parked or stored outside on the property. Most councillors want the number limited to six, as spelled out in a recent OMB decision on a minor variance sought by the appli- cant. Mr. Rabin told council Monday that six is not enough, and the latest site plan he had submitted for council's approval showed 19 outside spaces for vehicles. He says this number would include those that are for sale as well as his own personal vehicles. Mr. Rabin is clearly angry at the way he believes he has been treated by the township over this issue, which has been on-going for well over a year. Reading from a prepared statement at Monday's meeting he said, "You gentlemen have created a lot of unnecessary obstacles for me by playing by an unfair game. This way of conducting business has created sev- eral damages up to date." He said the cost of putting up a storage building on the property has increased by $10,000 because of the delays; he has lost business; and a contractor has lost work because the building won't be erected. Mayor Doug Moffatt took exception to the statement, telling Mr. Rabin "the onus is on you" to live with the requirement for six outside vehicles. The mayor said that when he looked at the property as recently as the Easter Weekend, he counted 28 vehicles outside. "And it looks like a junk-yard," he added. "This (prop- erty) should have been cleared up five years ago. "And we will have it cleared up," he warned. Three people who have property close to the site -- two residents and one who owns property -- told council BM on Monday they want the site cleaned @l up. They said the yard is affecting the value of their properties, and one said he fears that motor oil will make its way into his well water. Mr. Rabin countered with a petition signed by 16 people who support his plans for the salvage yard, and want council to leave him alone so he can get on with his business. Mr. Rabin bought the property 11 years ago because it has the necessary commercial zoning to allow a salvage yard. In his statement to council, Mr. Rabin said the town- ship's property standards bylaw does not limit the num- ber of vehicles that can be on site. If it did, he read from his statement, "you would have to implement it to all automotive business people; other- wise if you improvise it against only one, it is called dis- crimination. Being a law-abiding citizen I don't deserve to be discriminated against." Later in the meeting, after Mr. Rabin and the neigh- bors had left the chambers, there was an angry exchange Keith Bacon "MY MECHANIC KNOWS MY CAR BEST." "I've spent a lot on cars over the past WE BUILT IT. WE SOLD IT. WE KNOW IT BETTER. GOODWRENCH SPRING SERVICE ® Lube, oil & filter ® Inspect brakes ® Rotate tires (if required) ® Inspect tires ® Check hoses & belts ® Check lights and indicators ® Check cooling system ® Check battery cables & clamps ® Check air filter ® Top-up fluids LADES 20 years -- I even remember when you could fix some things yourself. Cars are a lot better now, and a lot more complicated. There are a lot of different cars out there now I don't know how anybody could claim to be an expert in all of them. So I don't fool around. [ take it to the people who know it best." When you bring your car to Goodwrench for regular service, we know what to look for of words between Ward 1 representative Keith Bacon and Councillors Ken Gadsden and Ward 2 rep Ken Carruthers. The site in question is in Ward 1. "We have not seen the end of this," said Councillor Bacon. "We could be in trouble if he takes us to court and charges us with racism or discrimination... we could be dead in the water." Regional Councillor Gadsden at one point told the Ward 1 rep angrily: "You're shooting blanks, pal. If you have an argument, let's hear it instead of just going around in circles." And Councillor Carruthers warned Councillor Bacon to "be very careful where you put this council. Don't instruct this guy (Mr. Rabin) to sue the township. We have a responsibility to the taxpayers." And Mayor Moffatt told Councillor Bacon, "don't shoot yourself in the foot," to which the Ward 1 rep replied: "Okay, I'll not say any more, but that gun 1s still loaded." Councillor Bacon said the ill-feeling in the community was put in motion 10 years ago. "I want to see this cleared up," he said, adding he was told that some in Saintfield want to see Mr. Rabin "put out of here." Councillor Bacon said he convinced one resident of Saintfield to sign the petition supporting Mr. Rabin's business. A BARGAIN HUNTER'S DREAM Staff, families & friends are bringing their collections to i. ¢ VANEDWARD "PHILP PONTIAC | porhe BUICK ort Terry Skint SAT., APRIL 18th i 9 LAKE SCUGOG (check Friday's paper it LUMBER for full details) PORT PE PLAN NOWTO PORT PERRY SNOW CEE and how to fix it right. Our mechanics are constantly updating their skills and knowledge so they can keep you and your car on the road. Plus, we have a nation-wide computer system supplying each Goodwrench Service Centre with the latest bulletins regarding recalls and problems to look out for. We have the right tools, the right parts and always a competitive price. MAKE A GOODWRENCH MECHANIC YOUR MECHANIC. "Sure, I could take my car to one of those less expensive places, but I don't think | can afford it. That's why my mechanic is a Goodwrench mechanic." "1 DON'T TAKE CHANCES WITH MY CAR. | TAKE IT TO THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW IT BEST."