Paradise approves infill over neighbourhood’s objections

by Mark Squibb, The Shoreline

Paradise councillors have approved an eight-lot infill subdivision at 2-26 Carberry Place, though not without considerable discussion among themselves and pushback from residents.

Over recent months, councillors and staff have met with a number of residents who opposed the development, citing increased traffic along Carberry Place and the clearcutting necessary to make way for the new housing.

“I think it’s fair to say that we’re providing the information that the residents are looking for,” said councillor Sheldon Antle, who broached the subject during a recent committee of the whole meeting. “It’s difficult. Development is difficult. There isn’t a silver bullet or a golden ticket that we can give them that’s going to satisfy. There’s a huge emotional piece to any of these approvals, especially to ones that are in our own backyard. And I do appreciate their concerns, and I respect their stance.”

Antle said that however contentious, the development fits within the framework of the Town’s municipal plan.

“It meets the threshold in terms of frontage, in terms of lot size, in terms of configuration,” he said. “Unfortunately, land has to be cleared in order for this development to proceed. The trail, that residents have brought up on a number of occasions through email and as part of the delegation, will currently stay in place. There is no plan to move that. If anything, this council has been fairly consistent in terms of wanting to have a trail network.”

Antle added the development will include a sidewalk that will make it easier for people to access the trail, though he acknowledged some residents don’t want the sidewalk.

“That’s the reality of how development works,” said Antle. “Some people are in favour of certain things, and some people aren’t. But I think if we err on the side of safety, we’re doing our job.”

Antle challenged comments that there is a lack of transparency in the decision-making process, pointing out that meetings are broadcast publicly and that notices are sent to residents when need be. He also noted The Shoreline newspaper reports on the meetings on a regular basis.

“All of us at the table have felt the impact of development,” said Antle. “I lost the trees and the green space behind my house about 10 years ago when Canterbury Drive extension and Hillsdale were added to Elizabeth Park. And I say I lost my trees, but they were never really mine to begin with. The trees that were there were part of private land that was subsequently developed as per the municipal plan and the development regulations.”

Deputy Mayor Kimbelry Street admitted that discussions have been “intense” and that residents were very passionate, which she respected.

“I think this is the most engagement I’ve seen in my time on council, with regards to an infill lot, and I understand the challenges for people there on Carberry and Duff’s,” said Street, adding that she hopes residents feel like they have been heard on the matter.

“I really feel like we have done our due diligence on this,” said Street.

Councillor Glen Carew agreed with Street that the application attracted more attention than any other that he could remember in his years on council.

As to the removal of vegetation and trees to make way for development, Carew said that as new trees are planted, those trees will grow in time.

“I hear comments like, ‘Mount Pearl has all these beautiful trees,’” said Carew. “I lived in Mount Pearl as a teen, from about age 8 to age 15, when I moved to Paradise. And yes, Mount Pearl has all these beautiful, mature trees over around the houses and in behind the trails, but when I was a teenager all those lots were cleared and there wasn’t a tree to be found in the new town area of Mount Pearl. But now you go down there, and it looks like Bowering Park. So, I hate to say this, but these neighbourhoods will conform as time goes along.”

Councillor Jennifer Hiscock thanked the residents for their participation, and staff, Antle and Street for spearheading the public discussion.

Hiscock said she understands the residents’ frustration and hopes the sidewalk requirement will address some of the concerns.

Council ultimately approved the development, subject to 25 conditions.