ERIN – Council here has passed seven new heritage designation bylaws in Erin village and withdrawn one notice of intent to designate.
“During the 30-day objection period the town received an objection from the owner of 35 Main Street,” said town manager of planning and development David Waters at the April 10 council meeting.
“The objection letter submitted by the owner’s solicitor argues that designation should not proceed because 35 Main St. does not meet the necessary threshold for designation … meeting two out of nine possible criteria.”
According to the objection letter submitted by Monika Wilk on behalf of the property owner (the McEnery family), both the building and the land “lack significant cultural heritage value”.
Wilk noted the building no longer looks as it did 90 years ago and said, “It would be impossible to preserve the 90-year-old building’s historical/associative value without reverting its features back to its original envelope or facade.”
Waters told council the objection was reviewed by the town’s heritage consultant (ARA) and it is of their opinion that the McEnery property has associated value significant to the community.
“ARA maintains that 35 Main St. is a legitimate historic building despite the additions, and supports the late 19th and early 20th century character of the historic village of Erin,” said Waters.
The property owner offered to provide more information.
Council voted unanimously in favour of delaying the designation to offer the property owner more time to make their case.
Heritage designation by-laws were passed for 48, 74, 76, 174, 180, 182 and 192 Main St. in Erin village.
