A public hearing that was held Dec. 17 to get comments on the proposed closure of Boundary Road in Penhold drew out a few different residents to voice their concerns.
The closure relates to the coming Laebon Palisades development. The closure will take place from the road allowance at the east edge of the future Palisades development to just past Mann Drive.
The first reading of the road closure bylaw was passed Sept. 24. A second and third reading will be necessary after Alberta Transportation OK's the closure.
Larry Nielsen wrote a letter and came to council. His main issue was concerns about drainage, which Coun. Kathy Sitter said needs to be addressed sooner than Phase 3 of the development.
“It sounds like council agrees we shouldn't wait X number of years to deal with this water flow problem,” said Nielsen. “That's great news.”
Marlene Lamb said she didn't think the closure of Boundary Road was beneficial to the residents of Penhold.
She raised concerns about the previous Laebon development, Park Place, and water issues that seem to be connected to it being built.
She said she was worried about closing the road because it's one of the only corridors available as a straight-shot out to Highway 2A.
“I don't think that Boundary Road should be closed,” she said.
Another attendee said council should look at old maps that show seep lines, which he said cause some of the water problems.
Council has to wait for Alberta Transportation's decision before proceeding.
“It's probably going to be at least four months,” said Mayor Dennis Cooper. “The province isn't fast with closing roads.”
