Regular readers of my blog know that I have no patience for the all-or-nothing approach that the Van Bynen/ Taylor twosome (supported by Councillor Emanuel) have used with Marianneville Developments, the owner of the Glenway Golf and Country Club property. In my opinion, these gentlemen have squandered too many opportunities for a negotiated solution to the planned Glenway development. Their failed tactics have put all the chips on an OMB hearing (Marianneville has filed an OMB appeal) and nobody likes our chances at that card table.
Finally one Councillor has shown us a rare glimmer of hope that perhaps the Town of Newmarket side is open to negotiations. Councillor Jane Twinney has posted something on Twitter saying that she supports developing Glenway but wants to see the current plan being proposed by Marianneville changed. A reasonable position in my books.
Thanks to the Ontario Liberals, the Town of Newmarket is mandated under the Places to Grow Act to grow, grow, grow. Residents of Newmarket must have a say in what our town's future will look like. Are we going to accept the Slessor Square & Main St. Clock Tower intensification plans supported by Van Bynen/ Taylor? Or will we simply say that Newmarket is a community of single family homes, not condominium high rises, and allow a reasonable, negotiated development at Glenway? I know which way I would vote.
Hopefully there are other Councillors like Jane Twinney willing to stand up for the character of our community. Van Bynen/ Taylor have been exposed as willing to gamble with the future of our town and prepared to slam the door on sensible development in the faint hope of the OMB ruling in their favour. I don't think that is a gamble that Newmarket should take.
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