Saint John Rallies in Support of Irving Oil HQ
SAINT JOHN – On Friday around 200 Saint Johners rallied in King’s Square to show support for the new Irving Oil Headquarter’s in the city’s uptown.
Last week, the project was put on hold when Jim Bezanson, a local architect and heritage conservationist, filed an appeal with the province’s Assessment and Planning Appeal Board.
The event’s organizers, Saint John MP Wayne Long and several Saint John business people, spoke at the rally. One of them was Judith Mackin, whose business Tuck Studio recently opened its new location in the uptown. She told Huddle that participating in the rally was a no-brainer.
“A development as significant as this needs every single person there showing their support,” Mackin said. “I’ve been kicking around this city since 1985 when I was 17 and the last development I can remember of any consequence was Market Square. We need this.”
She said she would like to see shovels in the ground as soon as possible.
“It’s incomprehensible to me to be quite frank. It’s not like the heritage board or the Irvings don’t have a demonstrated record of fostering the best interests of our historic city at heart,” Mackin said. “I hope this is resolved, yesterday.”
Keith Brideau of Historica Developments also spoke at the demonstration.
“This is an incredible project and an incredible opportunity for Saint John. We think it’s one of the best projects we’ve seen in decades here in the city,” Brideau told Huddle.
“I would just like to see the appeal review board realize how much the city of Saint John wants this project. To listen to the people of the community. Because I think it’s very clear that the community want it to move forward. We want to see shovels in the ground hopefully by next month.”
Mackin and Brideau aren’t the only business owners in uptown Saint John frustrated by the project stalling. Harrison Teed, owner of Pristine said he would like to see Bezanson withdraw his appeal, or at least, have the Assessment and Planning Appeal Board consider the appeal immediately.
“Saint John needs to continue to build and evolve its uptown. I think the construction of this beautiful building is a leap in the right direction,” Teed said. “I am excited for the project to get under way, hopefully without any further delay.”
There’s been no update on how long the appeal process will take. Until that process is complete no work can begin on the building.