ST. PAUL - A business hoping to expand its operations has asked Town of St. Paul council to hurry the rezoning process.
At the April 12 regular council meeting, Terry Allan of Kal Tire spoke to council regarding his intention to purchase a piece of property located west of his current business location. The property is zoned as residential, however, Allan is wanting to rezone a portion of it to commercial, to allow for a large shop on the property.
"We're out of space," said Allan, when speaking to council, adding, it makes sense to grow to the west. An offer has been made on the property, however, a condition to have the property rezoned has been placed on the offer, and a deadline of May 7 has been set.
Allan noted that it could be hard to ask for a continued extension from the current owners of the property if that deadline isn't met. The only remaining condition left on the purchase is the rezoning, said Allan.
He requested the town hold a special meeting in order to expedite the process.
Allan explained that his plans include a 6,000 square foot building, a repair shop with heavy duty mechanic, and more. He aims to employ more staff members and the expansion will also generate more tax revenue for the municipality.
Currently, there is a home on the property, but Allan said he is willing to remove the building to allow for the rezoning, and acknowledged that no one wants to live right next to a commercial shop.
Allan noted that there are some businesses suffering, others simply holding their own, and others doing well in town. He said he is focused on keeping business in town, and feels it's the right time for his business to grow and "give back to the town."
Allan said he has spoken to many of the area residents and hasn't received any objections.
The request was put before council later in the meeting, where it was noted that the area being rezoned would be a four acre parcel on the south portion of the property. The area, located on the far west side of St. Paul, is a mix of residential and commercial.
Aline Brousseau, director of planning and legislative services with the Town of St. Paul explained that her timeline would see the first reading of the bylaw carried that night, followed by advertising on April 20 and April 27. A public hearing would then take place on May 10. According to requirements under the Municipal Government Act, the public hearing could be held earlier, on May 4 or 5.
The public hearing is a required part of the process to gather feedback.
"We don't know what we're going to hear that night," said Brousseau. But, if all went ahead on schedule, council could approve final readings of the rezoning bylaw following the public meeting.
Coun. Nathan Taylor's motion for first reading of the rezoning was approved on April 12.
A special meeting was also scheduled to take place on May 5 at 6 p.m.
