Theater Concerns

It may be easier said than done.. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he doesn't want to see an X-rated movie theatre set up shop in Bridgewater, but it's more than just saying no. The Town's planner says at this point the Town has limited control under the current by-laws and municipal planning strategy but he's researching the matter. The owner of Sister Sarah's has said he might consider setting up theatres in various locations which would screen skin flicks in order to make up for lost revenue because of provincial fees he has to pay the province to rate the porn films he sells in his shops. Franklyn Rhyno who is originally from Bridgewater mentioned the Town as one of the possible sites for a movie theatre.

Exhibition Apartments

The land swap has been completed now the next step is underway for a new housing development in the Town of Bridgewater. Five, three-storey multi-unit residential buildings with a total of 135 units are proposed for 7.2 acres of land north of Jubilee Road and east of Exhibition Drive. Mayor Carroll Publicover says Council is pleasantly surprised by the demand for apartments in the community. The project which will be done in phases proposes underground parking spaces and at the suggestion of one councillor, will include hybrid plugs. Developer Bernie Dockrill of Indian Point says he's also interested in being able to connect his project into the Active Transportation Connectivity Plan.

Youden Holding

It was first proposed back in May of 2007, now a housing development for Mahone Bay is on indefinate hold. Mayor Joe Feeney says Council is discussing a letter of intent to continue persuing the development with developer Bob Youden. However, Feeney says indicators are the development is not going to go ahead in the near future because of the economic environment. Youden's proposal for a 24 million dollar housing development on the Old School Lands, and the loss of a soccer field and nearby woods became the centre of a controversy that rocked the town. A Group of residents filed an appeal with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board over Council's decision refusing to rezone the property from residential to recreational use.

Former Jail Idle

The former jail in Centre still sets idle eight years after it was closed for good. The last inmates left the facility in May 2001 and the building reverted to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Mayor Don Downe says a recent proposal for the property was not supported by Council and there's nothing concrete in the works. The Lunenburg County Correctional Centre better known as the Centre Jail first opened in 1950.

Underground Power

The Region of Queens is borrowing $280,000 for the installation of power and street lights for Queens Place Drive. That's the site of the proposed Queen's Recreation Complex and the newly opened Best Western Hotel. Mayor John Leefe says Council took the decision they did not want the area cluttered up with power poles. He says the powerlines will be run underground. Council also gave approval to the Best Western to locate a sign adjacent to the right of the entrance of Queens Place Drive with the electrical connection to be underground.

New Building

Word there's an arrangement that's been worked out to allow construction to proceed on a building for a new post office in Bridgewater. Acadia Broadcasting Vice President Jim MacMullin says they will start work soon on the North Street lot where a Canada Post facility will be located on the main floor. And he says the building will also be the home for both a new south shore country music station and CKBW. MacMullin says they expect the project to be complete with both stations operating out of the new location in early 2010. The project was held up when Bridgewater staff turned down an appeal of a variance to allow the new building to go up too close to neighbouring properties. Kevin Harris with the developer says there's a confidentiality agreement with a neighbouring property owner so he can't discuss what lead to the breakthrough. CKBW has attempted to contact Bob Richards to find out. And Planning Department staff in Bridgewater's town office say there's still no development application from the company. They say the owners can clear the lot on North street but can't start any construction until they have the necessary permits.

Still Working

There's work going on behind the scenes now that a wrench has been thrown into plans to relocate Bridgewater's post office to North Street. Council rejected a developer's building plan because it was too close to the neighbouring apartment building. Genevieve Latour with Canada Post says there's nothing that would keep them from having their operation outside town limits. But she says they are trying to stay in Bridgewater's perimeter and the North Street location was the one they were pleased with. But she adds they have nothing to do with the town and its bylaws since they will only be renting part of the building. So far, there's been no comment from the developer about their plans for 131 North Street since council rejected the appeal for a varience from the town's planning guidelines.

Permit Denied

Bridgewater Town Council has turned down an appeal for a variance setback request for a planned development at 131 North Street. The proposed two storey, concrete, steel and glass building was to be the future home of a new Bridgewater Post Office. Mayor Carroll Publicover says council's decision was unanimous, but he hopes some other arrangement can be worked out to allow the project to proceed. He says they hope the develper goes back to the planning department saying they've revised their plan to meet the required setback requirements under the bylaws. Mayor Publicover says he's not overly concerned the developer will cancel the project saying they are smart people who know what the rules are. The town's bylaw requires a setback of 50 feet from a residential property, but the building proposed for North Street only allowed for 36 to 37 feet.

Playground Pitch

A Bridgewater couple is hoping the town uses the vacated Visitor Information Center lot for something other than a building. A large structure, they contend, will greatly hamper the view plane from their land on Aberdeen and Elm Street. Patricia and Fazal Rahman have written council asking them to build a playground for young kids on the lot next to North Street. They write the North side of town has been grossly underserved, especially for younger children. They point out there are three fair sized playgrounds and parkspace on the opposite side of the river. And the Rahman's say the concrete slab where the building used to sit has been covered with dirt so all they would need to do is put up a fence and equipment. Also, they say more open space and recreation facilities would be welcome. The site has been vacant since the building was removed from the lot several weeks ago.

Foley Lane Frustration

He's persistent, but it hasn't paid off. And Billy Rhodenizer says he won't be asking Town Council anymore about upgrades to Foley Lane. The street needs storm sewer, curbing and gutter work to bring it up to standards but has never been considered an operational imperative. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he knows there is a possible development planned for the area and feels the street will be upgraded down the road. The Foley Lane upgrade was scrapped from the 2008/09 budget when a tender for the project came in over budget by almost 200 thousand dollars.

Forwarding Address

A fixture in the Town's landscape will soon be vacated. Canada Post is moving from the King Street location in Bridgewater. Mayor Carroll Publicover was coy when asked about a North Street location and any plans for the historic building. Publicover says the old post office is pivotal to the downtown core. As well , the old court house on Pleasant Street will soon be vacant. Preparations are underway for the move to the new Justice Centre on High Street this weekend.

Wire Worries

Town Council has given the go-ahead for the construction of 4 two-storey semi-detached dwellings fronting on Glen Allan Drive, In a report to Bridgewater Council, Town Planner Eric Shaw says the matter of power connections was discussed in relation to the number of utility poles and wires in the subdivision. The applicant, Jamie Cochrane didn't support underground connections saying it wasn't fair to come up mid-way through the process. Council voted voted in favour of the option of above grade connections, contingent on early consultation between the developer and NSP.