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12 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, August 29, 2007 Process took 10 years Anatomy of a development LISA TALLYN Staff Writer If John Spina knew 10 years ago the hurdles he would face in getting a housing development built on a small piece of land in Georgetown, he likely would not have bothered even trying. "With hindsight, we probably would have reconsidered the application," said Spina, who today is jubilant to finally see the 28 detached homes-- known as Silver Creek Ridge-- about to be built on the five acres located just off Hall Rd. The approval process for the development has been a long, and at times rocky road. It all started in 1997 when Spina's company, Georgetown Estates, filed an application for 62 town homes on the nearly fiveacre block. He figured that within a year to 18 months they would be building homes on that property, particularly Spina said, because a portion of the land had residential zoning on it since the 1950s and the rest of it was designated residential. However, the property was land-locked. "So access had to be assumed," said Spina. "We thought access would be an extension of Hall Rd." But that idea was rejected by Halton Hills council at the time, which had to contend with a huge outcry from nearby residents who did not want to see that road extended. "It was disconcerting, shocking," said Spina. "Planning approvals are never smooth, but it certainly was not what was expected." So with Hall Rd. off the table, Spina said they decided the best way to get access to their property was by purchasing a home on Fagan Dr. that backs onto the land, knocking it down, and putting in an access road through that lot. It was no surprise that idea was not embraced by either Town council or the many residents of Fagan Dr., who were very vocal about their opposition to the plan. Spina said he understood the residents' reactions and if he lived on Fagan Dr. he would not have liked the plan either. "No one likes to be intruded on in their own space, but we were forced," said Spina. "As much as they had a right to enjoy their property, we also had a right to enjoy our property." The Fagan Dr. plan was on the table for approximately three years, with residents becoming well organized and fighting it all the way. In the meantime, Halton Region's proposed Norval Bypass that included the possible extension of Tenth Line joining up with Hall Rd. got thrown into the mix causing more public outcry in the area. Finally in August 2002 Town council begrudgingly approved the extension of Hall Rd. to Spina's property, with the residents in that neighbourhood split into camps-- Fagan Dr. residents vs. Hall Rd. residents. "The best choice out of two nasty choices" is how Councillor Jane Fogal described the decision at that time. Councillor Bryan Lewis called it a "no-win political decision" that pitted two areas of town against each other. A week later the Ontario Municipal Board, which Georgetown Estates had been before several times on the application since 1999, gave its stamp of approval to the agreement for the development reached between the Town and Georgetown Estates. That agreement called for work to be John Spina stands by the extension of Hall Rd. that was needed before his 28-home development could be built. The entire process took 10 years. Photo by Ted Brown done in the Silver Creek Valley including from land issues that upset the neighbourrestoration of erosion issues in the tributary, hood took a long time to deal with, but in and of the slopes there, and for a Class light of their complexity, he doesn't consider Environmental Assessment (EA) which was the time period too long. required to extend the road. The third element he said that resulted in Spina said that EA was done in 2002, delay was servicing. At the time Halton then in 2003 a resident requested a bump up Region was working to bring on line a new to the Minister of the Environment, causing well, and approval couldn't be given until more delays. there was water capacity. Due to conditions and contractor availMacLean also said the developer proability the work in the valley wasn't com- posed a "series of different development pleted until last year-- nine years after the forms" for the property before the final application was made. development was decided on. Town of Halton Hills Planning Director When asked if the project has been worth Bruce MacLean said the Spina application it, Spina said, "yes". gave rise to a complexity of issues including "If we had directed our efforts and money the environment (in the ravine), land use toward approval of 150 acres, we probably compatibility, servicing, traffic, and a variety would have finished sooner than this four of concerns raised by the public. acres of land, and perhaps at less cost." He said in order to gain access to the He stressed today that planning is both a property across the ravine, remediation political and community process. works were required to address erosion and Spina said the homes, on 30 and 40 ft. lots, stormwater requirements. are to be built by Medi-Terra Properties Corp. "The issue for land use caused concern in and will range from $380,000-$470,000. the neighbourhood with respect to the charThe Medi-Terra sales office is located at acter of the neighbourhood," said MacLean. the northeast corner of Hwy. 7 and "The public was concerned about what Adamson St. in Norval. For more informawould be allowed on this property." tion visit www.mediterracorp.com/silverMacLean said the ravine and controversy creekridge/ REGISTER NOW FOR THE This promotion sponsored by these local businesses! Acton Fall Fair 2007 Parade September 15th Ready to serve. Hope to see you at the Acton Fall Fair Parade! 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