A proposed residential development on the site of the former Seaforth Public School has been held up by a dispute between the developer and the municipality over the need for a storm water pond.
Former Central Huron councillor Brian Barnim purchased the 8.3 acres of land a few years ago with the intention of creating a residential subdivision. But he has not been able to resolve a dispute over storm water management with the municipality.
The municipality's engineer says there has to be a storm water pond but Barnim's engineer insists it's not necessary. Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan says he understands putting in a pond would remove about three lots from the development, but he maintains if the municipality agreed to proceed without a pond they could be responsible for any flooding in the future. Barnim suggests bringing another engineer to get a third opinion.
Barnim says he has another alternative and MacLellan invited him to submit that to the municipality and they would look it over and get back to him within thirty days.
MacLellan adds he would like nothing better than to see the development completed but he also has to protect Huron East ratepayers against the risk of flooding in the future
