A2

By Shawn Merrithew

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Speak Up

A new business is one step closer to becoming a reality in Nackawic, despite meeting some opposition.

Matthew and Malcolm Fox of York Energy Inc. have plans to construct a wood pellet plant on the corner of Route 105 and Route 605, across from Wilson's gas bar. This project is expected to generate $20 million for the local economy and create 20 to 35 much-needed jobs.

At a public hearing on Monday evening, Matthew, president of York Energy Inc., presented his proposed design for the vacant lot, which is partially zoned commercial highway. His plans feature a 2,000-square-foot building, which would house the manufacturing plant and offices.

Where the plant is an industrial business, one gentleman asked Fox about what the yard would look like. He said he didn't want to look out his window and see an unsightly mess.

Besides a sawdust pile and the dryer, Fox replied nothing else would be on the property. It would be maintained, he added, reducing any unsightly debris.

"It would be hard to see the pellet plant from Route 105 because of the hill in that location," Fox added.

A concerned woman asked about the environmental impact the proposed plant would have on the surrounding area.

His business is a safe and environmentally-friendly operation, Fox responded.

"We use no chemicals in the plant or in the product," he said. "We grind up the wood and compress it."

He added some steam would come from the dryer, but it would not be harmful to the environment.

Paul Myles said he was all for a company coming in to set up shop and create jobs. His concern about Fox's plant is its location. Where the business is industrial, he feels it should be moved closer to the AV Nackawic mill or to another location in the town's industrial park.

Homeowner Randy Roussie would also like to see an alternative location, adding he fears the plant will depreciate the value of the homes on the other side of Route 105. Having the mill operating in their backyards is not acceptable, he said.

Fox replied he has looked at other options. He thought about approaching AV Nackawic about purchasing the old sawmill property for his operation, but said he received "a cold reception." He added he has looked at other locations, but said the lot across from Wilson's gas bar is the only other logical choice.

In addition, only a small portion of the land is zoned highway commercial, he pointed out, the rest is already zoned industrial.

Area resident Stephen Hawkes supports Fox's business and he said it would be beneficial to the town.

"When I was on council, we would have given our left arm to have this business come in to diversify the economy and bring jobs," said Hawkes. "We have had some tough times in this community. Now we have the opportunity that would bring money and investments to our town, but we need to act fast. These people have never asked for a tax reduction, there is no pollution from their operation and they don't want any handouts. This is credit to this company's business plan and future for our town."

Former mayor Bob Simpsons said there shouldn't be any problems to rezoning the land, and he doesn't see what all of the controversy is about.

"That lot has been vacant for many years since it was rezoned commercial highway when I was on council," Connors said. "I believe in this project. We need more industry to diversify our community and make it grow."

Former councillor Janet Caldwell added she is proud local businessmen want to set up in their hometown. The jobs are needed, she said, and there is a lot of potential spin-off and other opportunities for the town by allowing this project to move forward. Not allowing this project, she said, would discourage future development.

Following the public hearing, town council began the process to rezone the land from highway commercial to industrial. The first reading of the changes was passed unanimously and will still have to pass through second and third reading.

If all goes well, Fox could begin construction later this fall.