First, we apologize for the incorrect information on accessing today’s case management conference of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). The incorrect information originated with either the tribunal or Benny Marotta’s lawyer it appears. This issue will not reoccur we are confident. We will endeavour to ensure accurate information is provided for the next CMC. With any luck, we will be back to doing this in person.
LPAT adjourned the proceedings today (Sept. 8) until April 2021, to allow the subdivision application recently filed with the Town to be appealed to LPAT and consolidated with the Marotta hotel/convention centre application. All matters will then be heard together at a hearing likely to take place later next year. This is in everyone’s interest to look at the Rand Estate and the impacts of Mr. Marotta’s plans as a whole.
SORE and the Niagara Parks Commission were granted party status at today’s CMC. There will be an opportunity for others to seek either party or participant status at next April’s CMC. Participant status allows an individual to file a written submission with the Tribunal and SORE encourages concerned residents to take advantage of that opportunity. We will circulate separately a link to the participant request form once the details of the Marotta subdivision application are made public.
On that front, we have asked the Town to make that application public now, rather than waiting for it to be deemed complete. So far, Mr. Larmour has declined to do so.
The next events in this ongoing saga will include the hearing by the Court of Appeal of the Marotta appeal to the Superior Court ruling against his companies on their challenge of the Town’s heritage designation bylaws and the Conservation Review Board hearing on the same matter.
As always, thank you for your continued support and encouragement.