A final public meeting will be held to determine if a new park will be developed in the town.
The Pictou and Area Lions Club is hosting a public meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the New Horizons 55 Plus Club to discuss a new green space it has proposed for the quarry land off Brown’s Point Road.
Peter Boyles of the Lions Club said Pictou town council has been invited to speak at the meeting because it entered a clause in the proposed agreement between the town and club that is holding up the development.
“This is the last step,” he said. “The only stumbling block is the 90-day pull-out clause. Who in their right mind would put thousands of dollars into a project and pull out in 90 days?”
The club wants to enter a 10-year lease with the town for the property and if this is agreed upon, the club will start applying for grant money to help with the upgrades.
The town had expressed concerns in the past about insurance issues and being able to use the land in the future if a commercial development opportunity comes along, so it drafted a set of conditions it feels covers all these issues. It has stipulated that the lease would also roll over from year to year unless either group gives 90 days’ notice to end the agreement.
The club’s plan is to enhance the property by adding a walkway all around the pond, and install benches and tables, barbecues and electric service. It would also like to plant a variety of greenery.
“We have invited the mayor and council and we hope they will come and address citizens. Tell us why. Give us a reason (for the 90-day clause),” said Boyles.
He said the public might hear new information that will determine that a park is not needed in the area or town council might have a change of heart in its decision to impose a 90-day pull-out clause.
Boyles said if council doesn’t change its mind in the near future about the clause, it will not be proceeding with its plans for the park, but at least it will have answers for the public.
