Work on the previously abandoned Miller Meadows residential area has hit a roadblock after a public hearing which lasted more than two hours.
The applicant brought it to council in the hopes to amend the original Miller Meadows Area Structure Plan (ASP) from 2008.
The bylaw in question was rejected after second reading.
The developer now has the option to make changes to the ASP and reapply immediately or they can wait six months and resubmit their current ASP, or they could move forward with the originally approved ASP from 2008.
The land is in the south end of town, off 57th Avenue, bordered by 60th Street.
The original ASP intended to have lots fronting onto 60th Street, whereas the amended ASP would eliminate lot alignments that would front or access directly on the north side of 60th Street.
"This eliminates vehicles from backing onto the local collector and vastly reduces traffic interaction along 60th Street," a report from town staff says.
Additionally, the amended ASP calls for a mix of land uses such as R1, R2, R2N, R3 (condo) and R3 (apartment), which according to the developer addressed the town’s need for diverse housing as opposed to the uniform R2 housing proposed in the earlier version.
The town received letters from concerned members of the public about the proposed amended ASP, which were addressed at the public hearing.
One of the letters proposed to abandon housing developments in favour of a park with trails, cross-country skiing, bicycle and walking paths.
"This alternative would enhance the entire south area of town, avoid traffic congestion at 57th Avenue and 60th Street, avoid potential flooding and avoid residents living next to the train track and noise," John and Margaret Smyth wrote.
They added leaving the area as green space "would be environmentally friendly and add sustainability" to the community.
Another letter writer, Ghislaine Remillard, mentions there is no designated playground area in the proposed ASP.
In their letter, Bob and Connie Nelson expressed concern with the level of traffic on 57th Avenue, which is behind their backyard and those of their neighbours.
"This will make our back yards awfully busy and noisy," they wrote.
Members from the public also had the chance to make a presentation to council in person if they were for or against the amended ASP.
No members of the public spoke in favour of the ASP but there were a number of people who spoke against it.
One of the members of the public to express concern over the proposed ASP was April Jemieff who hopes to find a way to have new residences without disrupting the quiet area that she lives in.
“There are other areas that have adjacent property to our (cannabis) production plants that would be more useful or better than already affecting the people who live here.
“We have pride in these homes and these areas. Council has to think about those things moving forward.
“We have to balance things when we have progression moving forward in our community,” said Jemieff with heartfelt concern.
Afterwards, councillors gave their perspective and opinions on the matter in which there was much debate.
Coun. Wade Bearchell expressed concern in regards to the level of traffic that will be a result of the new proposed residences.
“I’m not going to support this because of the density in that area and the fact that it’s going to put huge pressure on 57th Avenue,” Bearchell said.
After the public hearing was closed, council voted and the bylaw was rejected.
