Colchester Development- Misleading presentations-clarification by MPP Leardi and supplemental Info

To: Council Members,

After reviewing notes from a discussion between the Colchester Matters group and MPP Leardi I can confirm, elaborate, and express continuing concerns about the proposed development for Colchester. I also see that false and/or misleading representations were made in recent Open Houses concerning the Official Plan as presented in attempts to pass (or share) the responsibility with the province.

MPP Leardi is identified as saying  that "if any town official advises Bills 23 and 185 are responsible for high density housing and over-development plans, they are misrepresenting the facts". He has also indicated that the province has not imposed any growth requirements on the Colchester area through either Bill and that the Town of Essex is not listed as a municipality with growth targets under these Bills and related documents. In this regard the Town and its officials have been hiding/distorting and/or misrepresenting the truth by trying to suggest that the province is somewhat responsible for the development plan.

Clearly the Town has the authority to establish its own growth plans but we, as residents, expect growth plans to be in the interest of, and benefit to, all residents/taxpayers who are affected.

According to the discussion MPP Leardi appears uncertain why the proposed plan is for the Secondary Settlement area of Colchester and rather that such should be geared towards Harrow or Essex. I have made similar comments through e-mails and facebook postings and in personal discussions.

In any event the Colchester Development would result in significant infrastructure costs including roads, storm water drainage, water supply, hydro supply, natural gas supply, sewage treatment and distribution. It would also add significantly to the school busing needs, policing/fire/paramedic services, road maintenance and garbage collection. Are the developers prepared to incur all of these additional costs up front, or are they going to minimize their contribution expecting that the Town will absorb such through taxes- on both new and existing residents? Many of these costs will be ongoing so once the developer is finished Essex residents will be stuck with any associated and unanticipated shortfalls.

Many of the above-mentioned costs would be minimized and more manageable and beneficial if the development plan was targeted for Harrow or Essex, as MPP Leardi indicated. Alternatively ,if the developers faced the upfront burden for the related costs (including,  but not limited to, a adequate sewage/water treatment plants) they would see the benefits of a location closer to Essex or Harrow where existing facilities can address such more economically. Such would also be more consistent with existing lifestyles and residences in these areas. Residents should not bear the costs created by developers operating solely for financial gain.

The population volumes, density and character of multi-story and multiple unit structures in the Colchester development plan as advertised are inconsistent with existing features of Colchester residents.

Putting financial and operational issues aside it remains that the vast majority of Colchester residents do not want their hamlet destroyed, which would happen under the Colchester development plan as presented. The generation or more tax dollars by such development does not offset the lifestyle enjoyment of Colchester residents and additionally creates opportunities for more hardships, taxes and other issues that are not wanted or needed by Colchester residents.

We expect our political leaders to represent us, not strictly their own additional taxation or growth targets that do not satisfy residents' desires. 

Listen to your people!

John R