County to invite feedback on uses for Wellington property
Administrator | Jul 22, 2015 | Comments 1
The County plans to invite public feedback on potential uses of property it bought in Wellington.
The County recently approved the purchase of 282 and 284 Main Street, to facilitate the Lane Creek Diversion Project. The rehabilitation of the creek culvert will take place underneath the site, council is considering uses for it once rehabilitation is complete.
Aligning with the Wellingston Secondary Plan, potential uses would aim to enhance the Wellington downtown streetscape and support revitalization.
Consultation sessions are to be set after the County takes possession of the property at the end of August.
“The County is committed to working with the public to identify appropriate uses for 282/284 Main Street that will recognize the importance of conserving the heritage of downtown Wellington, as well as meet the needs of ongoing infrastructure maintenance,” says Neil Carbone, Director of Community Development.
Carbone said the County intends to exercise a ‘charrette consultation process’ to gather feedback from the public.
“This facilitated, interactive consultation process will allow members of the public to brainstorm with both staff and one another while reviewing drawings and concepts of potential property uses. The consultation process aims to work with the public to identify realistic and suitable uses of the property that will support the requirements of the Lane Creek Diversion Project, as well as maintain both the charm and functionality of downtown Wellington.”
The Lane Creek Diversion Project has been part of the County’s Capital Plan since 2011. Council approved the purchase of 282/284 Wellington Main Street to avoid diversion of the creek. Use of this property will reduce the required road work on Wharf Street and minimize disruption of traffic at Wellington’s busiest intersection for the duration of the project, and during ongoing maintenance.
Filed Under: Local News
About the Author:
Would it be possible to rebuild the convenience store over top of the old Rock’n Rogers site? That should allow access to the creek which could be routed underneath the original store lot. Once completed the space overtop could be used for parking perpendicular to Wharf street. The original building would not be that difficult to reproduce, thereby maintaining the streetscape. Encouraging a convenience store to open at that location would be valuable for locals as well (especially with more parking). Additional parking could also drive further commerce in the downtown area. It is sad to see an original building lost, but if the foundation is beyond repair and it is significantly rotted, maybe this is the best alternative? It is hard to imagine green space that would be particularly valuable in that spot.