A meeting with a number of Lynhurst area residents was held last Thursday, January 31, 2013, to determine our next step after Land Division allowed the severance and then Central Elgin Council allowed the rezoning at 140 St. George Street to allow the Prespa Lynhurst Development to proceed.

After four different meetings and a petition signed by 105 area taxpayers, we are faced with out neighbourhood being divided by a condo development surrounded by a 6 foot board fence, our dead-end street opened to traffic, and the creation of serious safety concerns regarding emergency vehicle access and parking.

The infilling policy suggest that the project conform to the existing area and enhance, not detract from it. We have sought legal advice and the advice of an urban planner, and are now in the process of deciding our next step.

The lack of support from Central Elgin Council to acknowledge our right to exist as the type of neighbourhood we have always been just reinforces our belief that the Lynhurst area is just wanted for the tax dollars they contribute to the municipal coffers, but NOT as a full member of this municipality.

Frankly, we take NO PLEASURE in having to beg or plead for justice or equal treatment. By allowing this project to go forward, I believe irreparable damage will result to this municipality and the public perception of elected officials will drop even further!

As a point of interest, I have had discussions with Frank Sherifi and invited him to come to the meeting so all could see and hear his ideas and maybe we could find some common ground. He called me after a couple of days and decided not to attend. I told him he lost a great opportunity. We have other concerns regarding the restrictions to be placed on the developer and will be addressing them at the appropriate time.

Stan Beleutz
Lynhurst, Central Elgin