ABCO location on Tannery Road , Lunenburg
This week the town issued a release that offered some clarification on ABCO’s application to have their six lots on Tannery Road removed from the Architectural Control area (ACA).
Mayor Rachel Bailey hopes it will shed light on what can be a confusing process, “If you’re not familiar with (city) planning this stuff can be hard to wrap your head around. Especially in this case where the properties are also under the provisions of the Marine Industrial Zone.”
The issue seems to be one the community is watching closely, with the January 13th public information session being very well attended.
READ ALSO: Lunenburg Meets To Discuss Potential Changes To ABCO’s Zoning
The release sent out by the town answers six questions that town staff has been asked by members of the community.
In it, the town explains ABCO seeks its removal from the ACA in order to expand its ground floor area in excess of 25 per cent of its current measurement – Something prohibited by the ACA.
They also want to use steel cladding in the construction on the exterior facade, also prohibited under the ACA.
The release addressed rumors, which were published by some local publications, of a new cidery and brew pub being build on one of the lots. According to the town they have received no formal application for a brewpub as of Jan. 21, which is why it was not discussed at the public information session.
Recent groundwork completed at ABCO was also addressed. As the town does not regulate lot preparation, they say that work did not require permits.
A full timeline of the process for approval or denial application laid out in the release, with the next relevant date being Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. when town staff will make their official recommendation to the council.
The town also address concerns about what regulations would govern ABCO if they were removed from the ACA, In this case, they would be governed by land Use Bylaw as well as the MIZ.
Lastly, they clarify that the ACA’s have nothing to do with the Heritage Conservation Area but that could change with the upcoming revisions to the Heritage Conservation District Plan.
Mayor Bailey says she recognizes the importance of this issue as it has implications on both heritage in the community and business development,
However, she feels the town’s outlook on development is favorable.
“ABCO is a long established respected and well-respected business in this community and the fact that they are looking to expand their operation is very positive news for the community and I don’t think there was anyone there (at the January 13th meeting) who opposed that.”
Members of the community mentioned some confusion and curiosity about what it is that goes on at ABCO.
In an effort to clarify this ABCO has invited members of the public to join them at their facilities this Saturday for an Open House event. You can find more info on the event page.
