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City Council rescinds Second Street rezoning proposal

Weyburn City Council rescinded a proposal to rezone four lots on Second Street from Residential Semi-Detached to Central Business District at their July 21 meeting.
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Martin Tuschek, one of the developers proposing an apartment building on Second Street, addresses council July 21 regarding rezoning the street from Residential Semi-Detached to Central Business District. City Council rescinded the bylaw change after hearing opposition from area residents. By rescinding, the developers have a chance to bring forth a new proposal.


Weyburn City Council rescinded a proposal to rezone four lots on Second Street from Residential Semi-Detached to Central Business District at their July 21 meeting.


By rescinding the zoning change, the developer will be able to continue communication in regards to the proposed development.


Originally, the developer wanted to construct an apartment dwelling on the four lots at 322, 326, 332 and 338 Second Street adjacent to the Courthouse and McKenna Hall.


Martin Tuschek, one of the developers for the apartment building, said the four houses were all built before the Second World War and are small and in need of constant repair.


"There's only so much revenue you can get from these rentals," said Tuschek.


In keeping with the character of the street, he said the development would conform and comply to what is surrounding it.


Council received 15 letters of opposition to the proposed rezoning, with many of the residents in attendance at the meeting. Their major concerns being parking, privacy, negatively affecting property value, diminishing neighbourhood character, increase in traffic volume, sewer and water concerns as well as if there really is a need for this type of development.


Director of Planning and Development Martino Verhaeghe said, "In the long term we are going to need higher density in the downtown area."


Second Street resident Ron Jeffery said council shouldn't close the door completely on having development in the area, but the apartment complex isn't a good fit.


"It's hard lighting a fire under someone my age, but this did it," said Jeffery. "It does not fit no matter what you coat it with."


Bailey McDonald who lives across the street from the proposed development location, told council her concerns are infrastructure requirements, construction noise and debris, fire egress, parking, property value and if there is a need for the proposed development.


"We purchased our home here three years ago and have done extensive renovations to maintain the character of the house. We feel that this is important specifically in this mature neighbourhood with many older homes and the recently restored courthouse down the street. We would like to see our neighbourhood remain as it is with the older homes, mature trees and landscaping," she said.


Councillor Dick Michel said he would not support rezoning.


"It's important to note, we welcome developers to our community. I'm just concerned about the parking in that area," he said.


Councillor Rob Stephanson said there is a need for affordable housing however the public has told council they do not want this development there.


"We are open for business, but we have to take into consideration the people who live around there," he said.