Town announces significant housing developments, funds tennis court refurbishment and hires new planner
Good news on the housing front
Woodstock’s effort to address the nationwide housing shortage took several significant steps in recent weeks.
In addition to a recently announced agreement between the town, Carleton Manor Nursing Home and the New Brunswick Housing Hub to pursue a residential development on Deakin Drive, the town also issued major announcements on a pair of high-profile projects.
During a Committee in Council meeting on June 11, Woodstock Director of Planning and Development Andrew Garnett outlined details about the development of the former Woodstock Baptist Church property in downtown Woodstock.
Garnett explained the town is working to complete a purchase and sales agreement with Daniel Slipp, the only developer to respond to the town’s request for expressions of interest regarding the property.
Garnett said Slipp is proposing to build five townhouse-style buildings on vacant land directly across Main Street from the Woodstock courthouse, providing 20 new dwelling units.
He said phase one of the project would begin constructing two buildings by October and complete three more buildings by October 2025.
CAO Walker confirmed at the June 25 council meeting that the purchase agreement is nearly complete.
At the same meeting, Walker reported good news on plans to convert the former Woodstock Middle School into a residential space.
He said Miramichi-based developer Jesse Tucker completed the purchase of the school and surrounding property on June 21. The developer would begin immediately erecting a perimeter fence to secure the building.
Walker said Tucker has a solid track record on previous projects, noting that his previous developments included community gardens and social housing.
“He’s well known in the Miramichi area and does good work, so we’re looking forward to that,” said Walker.
The CAO added that the town is making headway in pursuing a new town hall. He noted that town officials met with three developers who responded to Woodstock’s request for proposals. He said they would study the proposals and hold follow-up meetings.
The town is seeking a proposal that would see a developer build a commercial and possibly residential structure. The town would agree to a long-term lease to house Woodstock town hall in part of the building.
Council approves funding increase to improve McKinley Tennis Courts
Council approved a spending increase to upgrade Woodstock’s McKinley Tennis Courts during its June 25 council meeting.
CAO Allan Walker explained the proposed upgrade previously targeted $75,000 towards the project, with an expectant additional $8,000 spent internally through public works. He noted that the plan called for the painting of lines for tennis and pickleball use on all four courts.
The CAO asked the council to approve a modification of the plan to paint pickleball lines on one court, with the other three used strictly for tennis. He explained that a single court provides room for four pickleball courts.
Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones explained the change would allow Woodstock to host tennis competitions.
“Additional lines on the tennis court mean they can’t be used for competitions,” she said.
The CAO explained the new configuration allowed for four pickleball matches and three tennis matches to be played simultaneously.
Walker added the new plan also includes the installation of netted curtains between the courts.
Council approved an additional $6,000, bringing the estimated budget for the upgrade to $81,000.
Walker said the project’s scope included milling the surface, repaving it, and installing new posts. He said the work would begin as soon as possible.
Town hires new planner
CAO Walker announced at the June 25 council meeting that the town has hired a new development planner.
He confirmed he reached an agreement with Jamie Burke of Stantec to serve as the town’s new planning officer.
The town has operated without a planner since the CAO ended the contract with Jennifer Brown of Dillon Consulting earlier this year.
Walker said Burke visited the town office on June 21 to get up to speed on town planning issues.
Councillor receives peace officer medal
Woodstock Coun. Norm Brown, a member of the Sheriff Deputy Office at the Woodstock Courthouse, was recently honoured by New Brunswick Lt.-Gov Brenda Murphy.
At the June 11 regular council meeting, Mayor Jones recognized Brown, who missed the previous meeting, as he attended a service where the lieutenant governor presented him with a Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal.
“From all of your fellow councillors and I, congratulations and well deserved!,” she said.
