The Editor,

Pressures for development have come to Farm Point. Residents hear of proposals for 200 1/4-acre lots in the old quarry, development of a commercial strip on Saint-Clement, unspecified residential development near Carman Road, boardwalks along the river, etc.

Any one of these proposals would make significant changes in the Farm Point community. The impact of all of them would transform a sleepy rural village, with lots of open spaces, into a bustling small town on its way to becoming a city suburb. Consider these:

– Some want this development. In this view, new development could: raise property values; increase tax revenues for the municipality; and provide more municipal services.

– Some don’t want any development at all. New development could: destroy the rural character of the village; cause local ‘improvement’ tax increases; and create ‘city-style’ population density.

– Some would accept some friendly and compatible development, proceeding at a cautious and consensual pace.

Regardless of their views on future development, Farm Point residents have a chance – now – to give their answer to some key questions, such as:

– Do they want 1/4-acre lots in their community (2-acre lots are the norm in Chelsea).

– Will Farm Point residents have the opportunity to vote on zoning changes which concern them directly?

– Who will pay for the costs of infrastructure to support any private sector development?

– Will new commercial development be of any benefit to the community of Farm Point?

The Municipality of Chelsea will hold consultations at the Farm Point Community Centre on March 16. Sometimes such consultations only generate ‘motherhood’ sentiments, which are easily manipulated by council.

Farm Pointers should make their views known in the way they want to express them, not the way Chelsea council wants to hear them, on March 16. Let’s make sure our voices are heard.

David Beattie

Farm Point, Quebec