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Council Shoots Down Starbank Proposal

Thursday, 13 December 2012 at 10:06

Tis the Christmas shopping season, but Woodstock City Council wasn't in a mood to allow more stores to open up on Norwich Ave. Council denied allowing Starbank another 20,000 square feet of retail space in their recently developed plaza. (They currently have 80,000 sq.ft. - No Frills, Sportchek, TD, Harvey's, Swiss Chalet) The vote was 4-3 against the development, with a slim majority of councillors, led by Paul Plant, arguing the need to protect the downtown. "This council and the strategic planning process has indicated the downtown is of great importance to the community and its revitalization and ongoing health is something we should concentrate on. I think we have enough retail that's already approved that it's going to take a while to absorb." A competing commercial developer, Berkshire, also spoke against allowing the development. Lawyer Allen Paton says the city's population growth doesn't support the need for new retail. "By the time your growth gets back to where it should be, hopefully in 9-10-years or less, then the strength of Norwich Avenue, and the strength of the downtown will benefit Berkshire, but at this point in time, what the evidence tells us, it's premature." Starbank's market analysis indicated the new development would not have an impact on the downtown. Starbank could challenge the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. They previously fought and won a case at the OMB against the city, to allow a bank on Norwich Ave.

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