Recently Corner Brook City Council voted against a modular home construction business idea that was put forward by Danieal Griffin
Before I outline my two reasons for voting against this proposal, I would like to reiterate that I would love to see this business idea become a reality here in Corner Brook and that the decision to vote against the proposal by City Council does not mean we are not open to talking about this idea in the future.
I voted against the Griffin proposal for two reasons:
1. I have some serious concerns about any sort of manufacturing facility being developed right on the Corner Brook stream.
I realize there is already a construction business set up in the area and I cannot do anything to change that.
When I ran for Corner Brook City Council, one of my key platforms was an environmentally friendly city.
I’m not certain that I am comfortable with any manufacturing facility being set up right next the Corner Brook stream.
I feel that my opinion here is consistent with my campaign promises.
2. I personally feel as though there was a fundamental lack of information put forward by Mr. Griffin to support this manufacturing idea.
Apart from some topographical maps, a number of key points and a brief presentation, there were no certified architectural drawings, conceptual drawings or even the most rudimentary business plan submitted.
I do not need to see trade secrets or confidential business ideas but before I sign over twenty acres of prime Corner Brook real estate, I would like to see some form of basic business plan that would support the idea that this business has a real chance of success.
I did not see any comprehensive business plan.
I’m hopeful that Mr. Griffin can bring forward the necessary information that is required to gain the support for such a project.
Solid decision. Couldn’t agree more.
I’m not quite sure of the whole aspect of the business, but how would building wooden structures and shipping them elsewhere to be assembled be bad for the environment? I can understand the reasoning of not signing over 20 acres of land without the proper business plan, but would it be possible to have an agreement in place that would revert the land back to the city if it was not developed for its intended purpose within a certain time limit? And, would it be possible to let people know how the other business got approval just a few years ago? Thanks for the transparency Gary, I’m sure the taxpayers of Corner Brook appreciate your honesty.
Geoff
Hi Geoff my concern is letting any manufacturing facility set up next to the Corner Brook stream… not just this one.
The CB stream and everything that it offers is an asset to Corner Brook and we have to be very careful to protect…. perhaps at times that might appear to be “too careful” but I would rather err on the side of caution.
I can’t comment on the other businesses that received approval to set up shop in that area… I was not part of Council when that happened.
I was not aware of any position that was put forward by Mr. Griffin that would suggest the land could be reverted back if the original proposal fell through…. in fairness, I’m not sure if the City put that point forward either. I will look into that.
Thanks for the kind words re transparency and honesty. I don’t expect that everybody will agree with my decisions all the time, but it is my hope, they will at least appreciate the fact that I put my rationale out there.
Thanks for the quick response Gary, I don’t think I realized how close it was going to be to the Corner Brook stream. I hope they can come up with a suitable alternative for the business, maybe across the road to White Lakes? Hope it works out for everybody!
Cheers
In relation to the above comments My development had changed. I am required to be 15 meters from the stream. That was one of the issues Gary Had advocated. I understand the publics and Gary’s concern with close proximity to Corner brook stream. What he failed to mention is that I had since ammended my proposal to be 150 meteres from Corner Brook Stream. My building setback is now farther away than Johnson’s building. Further more We will not be housing any contaminates that would be an environmental concern, Just wood ,adhesive…ect…..Thanks for your concern Geoff.
In relation to the above comments My development had changed. I am required to be 15 meters from the stream. That was one of the issues Gary Had advocated. I understand the publics and Gary’s concern with close proximity to Corner brook stream. What he failed to mention is that I had since ammended my proposal to be 150 meteres from Corner Brook Stream. My building setback is now farther away than Johnson’s building. Further more We will not be housing any contaminates that would be an environmental concern, Just wood ,adhesive…ect…..