In regards to the farmhouse issue we would like to add our thoughts as neighbours and concerned citizens. We live on Wilton Road. We purchased our lot from Pidel Homes in November of 2003 and did not move in until December 2004. At the time on the plan in Pidel’s office it showed the park as a whole and no mention of the existing farmhouse. it was not on the park plan and still does not showon the park plan as of this time. The model home at that time was located on Swift Street (off Watson and Fleming).
We do not agree with the heritage designation, nor selling off the farmhouse and the property it sits on. Restoring the farmhouse is not in the city,s budget, it will be very costly to restore as it is very run down. Regarding heitage designation; there are properties in Guelph that are truly heritage and deserve the designation, but in this case there is not. The porch, chimney, dormers,entire west side, and most of the interior is exempt from heritage criteria. All properties can not be saved as heritage, and some will have to be demolished.
At no time was is expected or announced that the city should sell off part of the park. We can see the farmhouse quite clearly from our back and side yards, we are two houses away and it is truly an eyesore to look at, it was really starting to be exteremely run down in 2003 when we purchased our lot.
The city has never severed 10% of a park with a house on it befroe and this should not be a first or allowed to happen. We would like to see the farmhouse demolished and a plaque put on the site. We would also like to move forward with the park development as it has taken way too long – 6.5 years we have been here, there are alot of families in this area and it will be used to a great extent. We don’t know who the buyer will be if the city is allowed to sell the propery and we have huge concerns about this issue.
My partner grew up on Balmoral Drive and has watched the farmhouse slowy become an ignored, unmaintained eyesore over time.
Please do the right thing for all the neighbours who spent money on new houses in this area and who put alot of time and effort into maintaining thier properites.Tha city and councillors nedd to see this for what it truly is , the people need to be heard and respected.JN