To date, Kore has not submitted any final development proposals to the town for review.
“It's all preliminary," Vucicevich said.
Waterfront planning study gets underway
By Andy Comber, August 1, 2007 -
The first steps were taken to establish a planning framework for the lakeshore areas along County Road 50 in the Town of Essex, when input from local residents and stakeholders was gathered at two separate meetings held in Colchester South, July 25.
The Town has retained the consulting team of MMM Group and Storey Samways Planning Limited to undertake the preparation of the Colchester Hamlet and Lakeshore Areas Secondary Plan Study, at a cost of $50,000.
"We want to hear from everyone," said Chris Tyrrell, manager of planning and environmental design for MMM Group, speaking at an invite-only stakeholders' workshop held at Viewpointe Estate Winery. About 40 people attended the workshop, representing a cross-section of stakeholders, including business, agriculture and residential interests.
Tyrrell outlined the general community characteristics of the four areas considered in the planning study, including Colchester Village, the lakeshore areas to the east and west, and the agricultural lands just north of County Road 50.
"Colchester functions as a service centre for the surrounding lakeshore and agricultural areas, providing a range of residential, commercial, recreational and institutional uses," said Tyrrell, outlining the current "community character description" for the village.
Consultants found that the main beach in Colchester offered residents and tourists the best amenity in the area but called for improvements to create a more inviting place.
"The pathways, retaining walls, parking areas are in poor, and generally unsafe conditions," Tyrrell said. He also noted that the children's playground in the village park was dated and did not comply with CSA standards.
Tyrrell made a similar presentation to over 100 people gathered for a public input meeting held that evening at Christ Church in Colchester.
Consultants noticed that Colchester Village has no discernable or distinct main street.
"Where would you like to put a main street in Colchester?" Tyrell asked.
The consultants indicated that residents would have "every opportunity" to give input into the planning study and said details on the planning study would soon be posted on the town's website.
Residents offered a number of suggestions, calling for improvements to Colchester Harbour, the development of bike trails, and the need for accommodations to attract tourists.
Tyrrell said a draft study document would be compiled from the suggestions gathered at both meetings and would be offered for further public scrutiny this fall. Final recommendations will likely be made to Essex Council in December.
Essex Town Planner Chad Jeffery said the town decided to pursue the planning study to give them some guidelines for future development in the lakeshore corridor.
Jeffery noted that a number of residents expressed concerns over the development of commercial property in the village by Kore International Management Inc., which is headed by Petar Vucicevich, a local resident.
"It is possible to have a public process for the site plan development," Jeffery said.
To date, Kore has not submitted any final development proposals to the town for review.
“It's all preliminary," Vucicevich said.
Speaking after the meeting, Vucicevich outlined plans to develop commercial property in Colchester Village similar to historic Tudor-style architecture found in Colchester, England, 90 km northeast of London.
Vucicevich said he welcomed the input of long-time Colchester residents but questioned the need for the town's involvement in planning the new developments.
"We don't need the town to tell us what we can do and can't do," said Vucicevich, who has initial plans for an English-style pub, restaurant and ice cream parlour in Colchester Village.
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