A mock-up of the proposed expansion to the Lunenburg Arms Hotel. Photo: Town of Lunenburg.
Residents from Lunenburg had a chance to weigh in on a proposed business development that would require Town Council to amend the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS).
Richburg LP Managment Inc. is seeking to expand the Lunenburg Arms Hotel and their plans to do so require multiple lots to be amalgamated, they also require exemptions from rules on maximum lot size and frontage.
The project also would require the demolition of 102 Pelham Street to accommodate a parking structure for the new development.
The current plans include the addition of 30 parking spaces and 30 new suites in the building. It will require significant expansions to the existing facade of the building.
The MPS was adopted by the town just a few months ago. As part of its creation it identified five key issues it sought to address those being; affordable housing, developing the “working waterfront”, sustainable infrastructure, climate change, and heritage.
A mock-up of what the expansion of the Lunenburg Arms Hotel would look like from the waterfront. Photo: Town of Lunenburg.
At the first public hearing on this development, concerns were raised that this particular development undermines many of the principals of the MPS.
Irma Da Sie was one of the residents who spoke out against the project, “The MPS was drafted just four months ago to protect our built heritage, so now within two months we are gathered here to discuss gutting out the heart of the MPS to meet the needs of private business.” she said.
She went on to point out the expansion of a hotel would not help create many long-term career jobs but would rather create a few more seasonal positions.
Da Sie was not alone in condemning the project with many other residents voicing their opposition.
In a letter addressed to council the towns Heritage Committee advised against moving forward;
“The Lunenburg Arms towers over Pelham Street between King and Duke and its expansion will only add to the mass of the structure. The character of the block will be entirely lost if we also consider the proposed new parking garage and 30 or more micro-suites across the corner of Pelham and Duke. Feedback from our membership indicated concern over the additional massing having a ‘detrimental impact and the block into an ‘urban wasteland’ with little pedestrian traffic and speeding drivers.
Despite opposition to the development council voted to proceed with the project though it will require more public input and government approval before it is fully green-lit.
