Council Pauses On Rezoning Downtown Moncton Development

MONCTON — Moncton City Council has pressed the pause button on rezoning that would allow a ten-storey apartment tower at the northwest corner of Main Street and Vaughan Harvey Boulevard.

During a public hearing on Monday, several residents from the old west end neighbourhood spoke out against the rezoning, including former Moncton city councillor Kathryn Barnes.

“I’m wondering why there was no notification to the general area. I know there was notification to those who lived within 100 metres, but 100 metres isn’t very far.”

City planning director Bill Budd stated how the 100 metre notification is part of existing legislation.

Barnes also expressed concerns about the height of the building and the shadow it will cast in the area, along with the added parking and traffic in the neighbourhood.

Cheryl Wood, who lives on Atlantic Avenue across from the proposed tower, also had an issue with the shadows.

“It was pointed out to me that I’m going to lose sun up until about noon – from seven to 12 – five hours of daylight. I have a garden and I do subsidize my income to grow food.”

Wood was also worried about excavation nearby during construction and the potential impact it could have on the foundation of her century-old home.

The developer applauded residents for coming forward with their concerns.

Chad Blakney addressed Wood, noting how a garden could be one of the features of the tower.

“I would love to see a garden somewhere on the proposed site – if it’s approved. We need community leaders like yourself to help with that.”

Blakney added excavation shouldn’t impact nearby home foundations given the clay soil but said he will consult further with a geotechnical engineer.

Mayor Dawn Arnold asked Blakney why the building was proposed as ten storeys.

He noted how plans began in 2020 and were based on the city’s own vision.

Blakney added, “If you took it down to six storeys, it’s not financially viable. It’s not going to work. The cost to clean up the contaminated land is just too high and the cost of the land would be too high.”

He also said a reduced height would mean all of their plans would have to start again from scratch.

City Council has delayed approval of the rezoning for three weeks and has asked staff to take another look at the details.

The matter is scheduled to be revisited at the next regular public meeting on February 6.

Allan Dearing is a reporter with 91.9 The Bend in Moncton, a Huddle content partner.