A Cochrane couple trying to stop rezoning of a vacant lot across from their home isn’t very optimistic after meeting with town council this week.
John and Erin Trusz were armed with a petition bearing about a hundred signatures from their neighbourhood. They object to the plan to rezone the Eighth Avenue property to allow for apartments and possibly other uses.
The Truszes are worried about the effect on their property value, and increases in traffic and crime. They suggested that council instead look at the area near the high school. Erin Trusz says one councillor asked why they want to move the crime to that area.
“So in one breath they’re saying we don’t have to be worried about the crime,” she comments, “and in the second breath they’re saying ‘why would you put more crime up by the high school?’ So that was a little ironic.”
Councillor Shea Henderson says he actually commented that he doesn’t believe a new development would affect safety, and asked the couple how if there were safety concerns, moving the development to the school area would be a valid option.
Mr. and Mrs. Trusz have one more kick at the cat. If they can get government documentation proving the impact on their taxes and property value, council will use that information when making its final decision.
“If it happens, it happens,” says Mrs. Trusz “ We just have to accept it. But we wanted to give it our best shot at trying to stop it.”
NOTE: This is a new version of this story, adding Coun. Shea Henderson’s input on what was said at the meeting regarding safety concerns.