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durhamregion.com 6 The Citizen May 19, 2016 JIM McGROReY Council has approved a site plan application from Sorbara Development Group for 21, three-storey condominium block townhouse units to be built at Winchester Road East and Thickson Road North. The approval came more than a month after the proposal was initially presented to council in March -- when area residents raised concerns, including a need for sidewalks and a means of relieving traffic demands on the smaller roads. "We have some concerns and I guess what we're looking for is maybe a chance to pause because we're just finding out about this," said Ron Lane, a resident of Knox Crescent, addressing members of the Town's planning and development committee at a meeting on March 7. Committee voted to refer the proposal back to staff and directed them to arrange for a meeting with the developer and residents, which took place on March 15. "I'm concerned about the safety and accessibility of our local residents in regard to the new development," said Christina Wettstone, one of several residents of Knox Crescent who addressed the planning committee about the proposed development at a subsequent meeting on April 4. There are currently no sidewalks on Wells Crescent to Knox, she said, which could create dangers for pedestrians as the development brings more vehicles to the area. According to Whitby's commissioner of public works, Suzanne Beale, the Town will be working with the Region to install sidewalks on the west side of Thickson to Wells, a sidewalk on the west side of Winchester and a cycling path on the east side, south of Winchester. "We did include in our 2016 budget ... monies to work with the Region of Durham to provide the sidewalk and cycling path," said Ms. Beale, adding the work is expected to be completed in 2017, which also coincides with the development's timeline. To help reduce vehicular traffic on the smaller streets in the area, residents suggested a right turn onto Winchester Road or Thickson Road."(We) want to work with the developer to ensure that this project is done in the right way so that both existing and new residents can be happy," said Linda Lawton, who also lives on Knox. Council passed a motion -- which was supported by the developer and later approved by the Region -- that a right-out only access from the development be installed onto Winchester Road until such time as access is provided to the property to the west of the development. "I want to thank (the developer) for putting forward the idea that they support this right-out," said Mr. Lane when the revised development proposal was approved by council on April 18. "I hope that we can all agree that it's the right thing to do. It's the safe thing to do." Revised development plan meets needs of community, developer fRom page 1 'Wagon wheels and ferris wheels' at this year's Brooklin Spring fair This year's Brooklin Spring Fair Parade is once again proudly hosted by the Brooklin Ashburn Myrtle (BAM) Lions Club. Brooklin's annual community parade will take place on Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m., starting at the intersection of Carnwith Drive and Baldwin Street, then runs south along Baldwin Street turning east on Winchester Road and ends at the intersection of Watford Street and Winchester Road. We encourage families to line up early to secure their most advantageous viewing spot as last year's parade was enjoyed by an estimated 20,000 onlookers. New for this year's parade, the BAM Lions Club will be collecting items for our local food bank. Parade onlookers are asked to consider bringing a non-perishable food item or baby-related new clothing. Volunteers will collect food donations and new baby materials from parade onlookers along the parade route. Please consider helping those in need. After the parade we invite all parade onlookers to enter the fairgrounds and enjoy what promises to be another fantastic Brooklin Spring Fair. The basketball skills challenge is hosted again this year by the Optimist Club of Brooklin. "Basketball Mania" promises excitement for all ages running Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday. A special "Slamdunk Showcase" on Saturday promises true excitement for all. Many prizes will be available throughout the weekend for the kids. Basketball enthusiasts can learn how to improve their "hang-time" doing layups while there is an open shooting area for all fairgoers to practice their b-ball free throw skills. Feel the "pressure" as you line up to shoot with the game on the line! Entry spots in this year's parade have been filling up fast so if you still wish to enter a float or walking group e-mail me right away at mcgrorey25@rogers.com or kevin.stone@marsh.com or text me at 905-259-5480. We ask parade participants to decorate their entries according to this year's fair theme of "Wagon Wheels and Ferris Wheels." Please explore www.brooklinspringfair.com for additional information regarding the always exciting fair weekend, which runs from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5. We encourage all local businesses in Brooklin to join in the fun by decorating your respective storefronts in support of the parade and indeed the fair weekend. For me the start of the Brooklin Spring Fair signals the beginning of summer fun in Brooklin. Midway rides, agricultural and homecraft exhibits and numerous food vendors remain traditional favourites. New to the fair this year is a special Monster Truck show on Sunday. Folks should plan to arrive early to the fair on Sunday to avoid disappointment as seating is limited and the Monster Trucks promise true excitement for the whole family. While enjoying the fair over the first weekend in June please remember to drive safely throughout Brooklin and beyond. Having lived in Brooklin for 12 years now, I continue to find that the Brooklin Spring Fair remains a true source of pride and joy and most of all fun for the whole family. -- Jim McGrorey is a Brooklin resident, chairman of the Brooklin Spring Fair Parade and volunteer and events co-ordinator for the Whitby Road Watch Committee