Professor suggests rezoning compromise in Woodland Acres laboratory case - the Peterborough Examiner, 26th January 2015 [This refers to Magda Havas plans to use the basement of one of her properties to study the biological effects of EMR] Trent University Prof. Magda Havas will propose a compromise when her rezoning application comes before Selwyn Township council Tuesday evening. Her neighbours, however, are adamant that the project not go forward, a position supported by some outside consultants examining the case. Havas has converted the basement of a home she owns in Woodland Acres, between Peterborough and Lakefield, into a laboratory and meeting facility. Havas lives in an adjacent home; the second house is vacant but for the lab and occasional guests. She studies the effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health, and intends to use the home lab as an off-campus research space. She also plans to conduct workshops there and carry out tests on human subjects. In a letter to council, Havas outlines her reasons for wanting the lab in the home and addresses what she calls misconceptions about her research. She also suggests a short-term trial period. “Perhaps a compromise is in order,” she writes. “In addition to either approving or rejecting the proposal for rezoning, it is my understanding that a temporary approval for a period of 3-5 years is an alternative that would not jeopardize the community. If during that period there are legitimate complaints, then the rezoning need not be extended beyond this temporary period. While this is not my preference I would be willing to accept this as a compromise.” The rezoning makes up a significant part of Tuesday nights township council agenda. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. The township acknowledges that Havas built the lab without considering the planning implications. This led to a complaint for a neighbour, which led to a call for a rezoning that would involve an amendment to the countys official plan. In August, the case came before township council, which heard from Kevin Duguay, a planner hired by Havas, as well as several neighbours who are concerned about the rezoning and its implications. Tuesdays meeting will include presentations from township and county staff on the Official Plan amendment, along with a draft bylaw, consultant reports and a roundup of public comments received by the township. Three Woodland Acres residents have submitted letters to council recommending the project not go ahead, pointing out that Havas will operate without oversight, and raising concerns about lack of parking, road safety and increased traffic in the neighbourhood. Among the submissions, available on the township website, is a report from Ecovue Consulting that recommends against the rezoning and a letter stating that property values could be negatively affected by the labs presence. thepeterboroughexaminer/2015/01/26/professor-suggests-rezoning-compromise-in-woodland-acres-laboratory-case
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:25:48 +0000
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