Madawaska Valley won’t bring in development charges for builders.
A motion to bring in the charge was defeated at council on Tuesday, March 21.
Many municipalities issue development charges when new buildings go up to help deal with population growth.
Mayor Mark Willmer and Coun. Mary Blank supported a recommendation, brought by the town planner, to phase charges in over five years.
But Councillors Shelley Maika, David Shulist and Joseph Olsheski voted against it.
The vote put a quick end to months of planning by township staff and efforts to solicit public feedback. Several comments were received at a public meeting earlier in this month and through email; many of them critical of the plan.
The council debate was passionate. Blank argued the new revenue is necessary, saying “we have to look to the future.”
Olsheski argued, if the charge is brought in, developers will decide to go elsewhere. Maika said she believes the town already brings in enough money through taxes and continued growth will lead to more revenue anyway.