A public information meeting last evening sponsored by New Amherst Homes on rezoning 4.6 acres of land for a new school was packed with an overflow crowd.
The meeting held at the new HTM Insurance Company Headquarters at Elgin and Wilkins Gate was moderated by Paul Macklin, the Liberal MP for Northumberland – Quinte West from 2000-2006.
Seating was set up for about 75 people but it was standing room only along the walls, as around 150 showed up to voice their concerns.
Both the consultants for New Amherst Ltd., the developer, and the planner for the school board were on hand to provide an overview of the re-zoning proposal and to answer questions.
The major concerns centered around traffic flows, safety, poor public notice and consultation and building a school at a location that residents feel is not a good fit for the New Amherst community.
At the end of the meeting, one resident asked that a motion be entertained that Council allow more time for public consultation. He was told that the evening was an information session by New Amherst Homes and not a public meeting hosted by the Town.
The moderator suggested people send letters to members of Council with their concerns and suggestions.
The matter goes back to Council on April 23 rd .
