Rezoning for Green Valley pallet business expected to go ahead

In this August 2017, file photo, Irving Paskesz of Gelgib Industries, center, listens to South Glengarry council as it holds a public meeting on a rezoning application for a future business expansion. Neighbour Catherine Laferriere, left, spoke about concerns with the business. Also shown is Community Services GM Joanne Haley. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston, File)

LANCASTER – Despite objections from a couple of neighbours, township staff are recommending the municipality allow a land rezoning for future expansion of a Green Valley pallet business.

In a report to council tonight (Tuesday), Community Services GM Joanne Haley acknowledges the concerns about more traffic that “may be triggered if the zoning were to change” to allow XL Wood Products to grow its footprint.

The change would see the 18 acres (7.2 hectares) west of the existing business on Concession Road 8 rezoned from agricultural to light industrial.

During a public meeting last month, two neighbours complained about trucks pulling into private driveways and the mess on the existing company property.

“These comments were not considered as this does not pertain to the subject property (the property being rezoned),” Haley writes in her report before council tonight. Though she does say the comments are “very important” for township staff to “understand and to address (problems) when required.”

Owner Irving Paskesz told council last month there were problems but his company has put $50,000 into property improvements to fix those problems.

Tonight’s meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the South Glengarry council chambers at 6 Oak Street in Lancaster.