I am constantly amazed by what stories get attention while others are almost completely overlooked.
On Monday, Belleville Council reversed course on a land transfer for a piece of property near the waterfront, after citizens spoke out online about what some considered to be a potential “backroom deal”.
Council chambers were packed, which is not a regular occurrence, and eventually the plan was scrapped in favour of more public consultation.
The ironic thing is that the South John Street property wasn’t even the most significant land development item on that day’s agenda.
Later in the meeting, Council approved a community improvement plan to provide rebates to encourage people to buy the land with former Queen Mary School on Octavia Street and effectively subsidize the creation of more affordable housing units.
In addition, if the school itself isn’t purchased, then the city may keep that land and expand the park/playground space (which is NOT for sale).
Octavia street is an ideal location for a residential build and we desperately need more affordable housing in the city, but the decision was almost completely obscured by the green space controversy, new fire hall locations, and even a designation of the city as “bird friendly”.
Many positive things are happening in Belleville. I remain hopeful that the most important ones will still get some attention after the so-called “hot button issues” are done stealing the spotlight.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
