" Planner Mitch Dickey, in his seven-page report, said the present property is “derelict” and big enough to handle an infill development of this size. "
It is derelict because Mr Dickey met with the owner Kenneth Anthony when the owner was considering a project of 3 storeys several years ago and Mr Anthony was told that if he waited he 'may be able to get more height'. I am quoting the owner from his appearance at the June 9 2016 Appeals Cttee hearing that I attended.
Extracts from the minutes : " Mr. Anthony explained that he has followed through with all of the Standing Committee’s requests (e.g.painting and securing the building). He pointed out that the development application has been ongoing for approximately five and a half (5½) years and spoke to the delay in the staff report .........And Mr. Anthony spoke to his original intent to renovate the existing building and develop 11 apartments;however in discussions with planning staff, the proposed development has changed for the site..."
Note that the minutes are not a verbatim account of the hearing; available here :
http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/SCap...nts/160609.pdf
Later in the meeting during Public Participation there was concern raised about the inactio/actions of planning staff on two issues. The first issue related to the recent refusal of building permits in rural HRM. Cllr Hendsbee told residents that the adoption of RP+5 wiped out the ability to build on lots abutting certain roads - a change that was never spelled out in the RP+5 documents.
The second issue concerned an application for a condo at Portland and the Circumferential that has been under consideration for more than 5 years and now 15 months after approval the project is held up because of HRM staff intransigence over a few words in a document related to the purchase of provincial land by the developer.
Few people know that 30 non-union planning managers receive performance based pay, and councillors don't know how the bonuses are determined.
The issue of rural lot development is getting quite heated and will receive more media coverage in the next few weeks.