Condo plan prompts debate over farmland

Kings County councillors are being urged to block a $50-million condo complex from going up on farmland near Berwick.

More than 100 people turned out for a public hearing on the proposal Thursday night, with all but a few calling for council to protect agricultural land.

"Saving the farmland is about a future for our grandchildren," said Leslie Wade, one area farmer. "The Weston development is about saving a golf course and destroying a rural community."

More than 80 farmers in the Weston area have signed a petition calling on council to reject thesubdivision proposal. Theywant council to stick to a bylaw that protects agricultural land from any type of development.

Fury Farms wants to build 300 new condominiums on 41 acres next to the Berwick Heights golf course.

"Our intention is to build a community that will be attractive to active seniors and new retirees," said John Heseltine, a consultant hired by Fury Farms to convince council to endorse its proposal.

With agriculture facing big changes and tough times, one speaker, retired Berwick postmaster Jim Keddy, said he thinks council should embrace the development plan.

"Abandoned farmland surrounds many communities as market changes. Industries are closing down," Keddy said. "Too often we fail to change with the times."

Many who spoke at the meeting said they are not anti-development, that the issue is whether farmland is more valuable as a source of food or as a location for housing.

Kings County council must decide whether to reject the proposal or pass an amendmentallowing it to move to the next stage. If theygo the amendment route, the landownercanmake a deal with a developer and draw updetailed plans that council would then approve or veto.

"I think each councilloris going todo a lot of soul-searching over the weekend," said Kings County Warden Fred Whalen.

Councilwill vote on the Weston proposal Tuesday night.