No spark to Battery development complaint: mayor
St. John's Mayor Andy Wells has little sympathy for a group of residents in the Battery neighbourhood who want city hall to halt construction of a house that could block views of the harbour.
"I don't think there's a single thing wrong with this application," Wells told CBC News on Tuesday, after opponents of the project unsuccessfully appealedto city council at its regular meeting on Monday evening.
"It meets all our requirements. The owner of this property is entitled to develop the property pursuant to the rules."
While the proposal on Signal Hill may meet city requirements, residentssayit flies in the face of non-binding guidelines drafted three years ago for development of the historic neighbourhood.
A former fishing village along the lower reaches of Signal Hill, the Battery has over the years become a magnet for property-hunters eager to obtain one of the best views in the city.
Resident Alison Dyer said the house planned for the backyard of 24 Battery Road is set farther back from the street than it should be.
"One of the main reasons, again, to have Battery guidelines [is] so that it would keep the integrity and look of the Battery," Dyer said.
Lisa Porter, who fears that property values will drop for the surrounding homes, said residents didn't know about the plans until a few days ago, when an excavator started work onthe foundation.
"It was a big shock to us when this started on Saturday," she said.
Wayne Howell, who owns the land where the controversal house is being constructed, declined an interview but said he is within his rights and has obtained appropriate permits.
Dyer said the group of residents does not yet know whether it will appeal the city's approval for the development.
Wells said an appeal would be a waste of time and money, as no rules have been broken.
In 2006, amid strong resident opposition, city council shelved a proposal that would have seen a new hotel and condominium complex built at the site of the current Battery Hotel.