|
|
|
|
|
To BLA Members I was asked by the County of Hastings on August 1, 2003 to respond on behalf of the BLA to the planned subdivision of Forest View Lodge. As you know, I placed an information piece on our website on July 22, 2003. I received a number of comments from Members and, as a result of these comments and the request from Hastings County, I visited the site and responded to the County in the attached letter. I attended the County Planning Meeting on August 14, 2003 and spoke to the issues addressed in my letter. I also made a copy of my letter available to the owner of Forest View Lodge and to Ms. Lorraine Fell, our Municipal Councillor. The owner of Forest View was granted conditional approval to subdivide based on Hastings County approval on August 28, 2003 and on the following conditions:
This issue was discussed at the BLA board meeting on August 16, 2003 and I received support for our actions to date. I have asked to be kept informed of the progress of the various studies. Please call me if you have further questions. Menna Weese, President BLA
VIA FACSIMILE: 613-966-7654 Mr. Paul Walsh
Dear Mr. Walsh, Re: Application Number 12T2003-01 Thank you for your letter dated May 30, 2003 asking for the comments of Baptiste Lake Association on the application to subdivide Forest View Lodge into 8 lots. My apologies for not responding sooner but, as I informed you in our telephone discussion of August 7, the material was mislaid. When I was informed of the application, I placed the relevant information on the Association's website and asked for input by Members. I have received a number of comments, which I would like to bring to the attention of the Planning Committee. The preliminary report on sewage flows seems to be thorough and to provide support for a probable improvement of sewage treatment for the site by the subdivision plan, as compared to the existing establishment. We would like to identify other areas, however, where additional information is needed. 1. One of the most important issues for Association members living in proximity to the site is public access to the Lake. There is a history to this issue, which involves the transfer in April 2000 of a former public access for the existing public access, which is to be maintained under the application. This "swap" was approved by the Township of Herschel. Having walked the site myself in the last week, I have to inform you that this 2000 "public access" is through swamp and bush and is in no way, in its present state, suitable as a real public access. I believe this issue needs to be addressed. 2. The creek that flows through the site is a non-seasonal creek abutted by important wetlands, and is therefore a valuable environmental, wildlife, and vegetative resource for the Lake. I would like to see further information on how this area will be preserved. 3. The construction of 8 wells on the 8 subdivided lots may have an impact on the groundwater in the area. In our view, this warrants a hydrogeological study to provide the necessary information. I believe that addressing these issues will result in an improved development on the site. I look forward to seeing you at the Planning Committee meeting in Belleville on August 14. Yours sincerely, Menna Weese, President
Email: info@baptistelake.org |
