Councillors in Saint John are considering changes to heritage bylaws, specifically to allow for the construction of a new Irving Oil headquarters in city’s uptown.
Former heritage planner Jim Bezanson launched an appeal of the construction of the new facility, putting the project on hold.
He says he either wants proof that the Heritage Development Board had legal authority to approve the 11-storey building as it is, or havethe opportunity to try and develop a design for the building that would meet the current bylaws while still accommodating 1,000 Irving employees.
“I’m willing to withdraw my appeal against the decision of the Heritage Development Board under one or the other of two scenarios,” said Bezanson.
Bezanson's appeal has plenty of critics. A rally at Kings Square on Friday brought out about 200 people in support of the project going ahead.
Bezanson says he's been threatened for launching the appeal.
“Were I just interested in causing and continuing a firefight, put a more graphic word on it if you want, then I would simply just continue and wait until the appeal board held its hearing. I’m not interested in doing that,” he said.
Elizabeth Towe owns a restaurant nearby. Though the project is on hold, she remains optimistic it will go ahead.
“What’s happened through this whole process is that people have an understanding that maybe the bylaws need to be reviewed as far as heritage and maybe there needs to be a little bit more grey in some areas,” said Towe.
Bezanson says he supports development in the uptown location, but is adamant that he'll continue with the appeal if his conditions are not met.
“I disagree with vilifying anyone,” said Bezanson. “I disagree with anyone who’s being a bully.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore.
