Wellington Street development passes Halifax council vote

Residents of Wellington Street are disappointed with a decision by Halifax regional council Tuesday to move ahead with a two-tower development in the city's south end.

Dino Capital is planningan eight-storey and 10-storey residential tower development on what used to be four house lots.

Council heard from residents before Christmas and spent hours sorting through the issues.

Coun.Steve Craig doesn't think the development suits the area.

"We need to take a look at the appropriateness,"he said. "I don't think it's appropriate. Barrington Street is not Wellington Street."

Coun. David Hendsbee disagreed.

"I see this as fitting with the ambience of the area,"he said.

In the end, council voted nine to six in favour of the development, which disheartened Chris Annand, who lives on Wellington Street.

"I think this is a decision that the municipal council and municipal government will have to live with for a long time. A mistake,"she said.

Council did make changes to the proposal, reducing the size of the development by 40,000 square feet. The developer will also have to adhere to some of the HRM by Design guidelines which now only apply to the downtown.

The changes were welcomed by the residents, but they still think the entire process was flawed.

"The proper process has been totally thrown through the window and the interests of a few councillors who aren't involved in the peninsula, have won out. This is not a good development,"said resident Pat Whitman.

"The decision today is a disappointment."

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