In Brief: Conditions proposed for rezoning of former dealership

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The City of Bathurst’s planning department has finalized its list of recommendations for the rezoning of a former car dealership to a workshop and offices for a local company.

Planning director Marc Bouffard presented the department’s recommended conditions for the rezoning of the former Nissan dealership located at 1945 Miramichi Ave. from highway commercial to light industrial, and a change in the municipal plan from commercial to industrial. A portion of the property that’s not up for rezoning will remain commercial.

The rezoning will accommodate a workshop and offices for the businesses Black & McDonald and Power Precision, he said during the regular public meeting of council April 2.

The proposed conditions that will be submitted to the planning advisory committee for consideration at its April 30 meeting include having a maximum of eight storage containers stored on the side yard between the business and Armour Transport, that all work except on e-houses be completed inside, that doors be closed while work is being done, and that exterior lighting can’t spill onto neighbouring properties. Fencing along the back of the property dividing the business from nearby homes was suggested by council at the last meeting and has also been added as a recommended condition, Bouffard said.

The company says the rezoning would allow them to do more work in-house instead of shipping it to another location.

Bouffard initially presented the details of the rezoning to council at a committee of the whole meeting in March.

During the presentation, Bouffard told council since the last presentation the province’s Department of Environment and Local Government has said it will give final approval on certain environmental considerations of the operations before the rezoning is granted.

Those wishing to voice their opposition or support for the municipal plan amendment can submit a written letter to the city by May 2. On May 6, council will accept the letters and adopt a resolution to begin the process for the zoning amendment. Those wishing to voice opposition or support for the zoning amendment have until May 31 to submit a letter.

Public hearings of the written support and objections will be herd June 3, along with the first and second readings of the rezoning.

Janitorial services contract

Council has awarded a five-year contract for janitorial services of city buildings to Monettoyer Enr. at a cost of $112,920 per year plus tax, for a total of $564,600.

Coun. Dale Knowles questioned if it’s normal to sign a five-year contract for janitorial services.

City engineer Matthew Abernethy said the city has never signed such a long contract for janitorial services, but it’s common practice with other services including snow removal.

“Essentially it solidifies the price over a number of years,” Abernethy said, adding under the agreement the company is locked in for three years, with an option to renew for another two.

“We’re fairly happy with the prices that came in and it gives some consistency for the next five years.”

Grants distribution

Council has voted to approve the grants distribution committee’s recommendation to give $5,000 to the Victoria Park Enhancement Committee.