Bennington preparing for battles at the OMB

Development pressures are leading residents of Bennington Heights to prepare for at least one impending battle at the Ontario Municipal Board.

On Jan. 22, more than 50 homeowners joined a fundraiser for Save Our Bennington at the home of long-time residents Nancy and John Kellett.

In his opening remarks, Councillor Jon Burnside indicated his strong support for efforts to protect the character of the community and oppose a developer’s request to build four houses at 27-31 Evergreen Gardens where there are currently two original homes.

The request was rejected by the Committee of Adjustment. The developer appealed the city’s decision to the OMB.

“The rules are the rules” when it comes to development, said Burnside, and committed to helping the community in whatever way he could.

Municipal lawyer Ian Flett, retained by Save Our Bennington for the upcoming OMB hearing, emphasized community solidarity as a key for success.

Save Our Bennington reported
at the fundraiser that a one-day hearing at the OMB costs in the vicinity of $15,000. This includes the services of the lawyer and municipal planner, and all the preparatory work.

Save Our Bennington established a fundraising target of $45,000 to cover the anticipated two-day hearing in April and to build a reserve war chest for future neighbourhood concerns.

By the middle of the month Save Our Bennington had received donations of about $35,000. The fundraising drive continued to the end of February.