Community Improvements Discussed At Town Hall In Verona

Apr 17, 2013

In a special public meeting hosted by the Verona Community Association (VCA), over 100 residents had their say regarding the immediate and long term improvements they would like to see in Verona. The meeting, which took place at the Verona Lions hall on April 15, was attended by numerous council members from South Frontenac Township and was chaired by Debbie Lingen of the VCA. The meeting came about after South Frontenac Council asked to hear from the community following several presentations over the years by the VCA to council requesting improvements to community safety and curb appeal.

In a pamphlet that was handed out at the meeting outlining their top three priorities, the VCA highlighted the changes they would like to see addressed first: 1) the construction of a sidewalk on Road 38 from Verona Sand Road to Reid's Foodland, 2) measures to reduce excess traffic speeds on Road 38 between Reid's and Desert Lake Road and 3) a plan of action to clean up several properties in the community.

Residents were first invited to brainstorm the changes they would like to see addressed, after which they were asked to present their top five priorities. Most in attendance agreed with the VCA's top three with a few minor adjustments. Regarding the construction of a sidewalk between Reid’s and Verona Sand Road on 38, numerous residents suggested instead a paved shoulder that would allow for safe passage for pedestrians, bikes, strollers and carts, citing that it would hold up longer and could be more easily maintained. Some residents also wanted to see a sidewalk or paved shoulder constructed along the Verona Sand Road.

Reducing traffic speed through the village proved to be a priority, though by what means was a matter of contention. Some residents wanted multiple stop signs; others wanted to reduce speed through the entire village to 40km /hour, while some suggested speed bumps, or courtesy cross walks. Others wanted to see Road 38 made into a one-way road. One resident suggested digital traffic speed signs that let drivers know how fast they are going, which are portable and can be solar powered.

South Frontenac Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth informed attendees that a mobile speed sign has been ordered for Verona at a cost of $8,000 and he stated that other long term options would be considered after more research was done on traffic patterns. This raised the ire of some attendees, who did not want to wait years to see changes made.

On the topic of property standards, most agreed it was a priority and South Frontenac CAO Wayne Orr took direct questions regarding the township’s current property standards by-law, which now exists as a complaint driven safe properties by-law that does not address the aesthetic appearance of properties or buildings. It does address issues of public safety and health.

Attendees at the meeting were grouped around tables, and of the 11 groups, eight mentioned McMullen Manor as an issue, citing issues with some of the activities and behaviors of residents there. In order to provide clarification on the manor and how it operates, Councilor John McDougall invited Mary Lynn Cousins Brame, CEO of Kingston and Frontenac Housing Corporation, which owns and operates the manor, to speak.

Brame lived in Verona for 20 years and said she is constantly inundated with complaints from area residents about the manor. She gracefully and succinctly clarified typical misconceptions about the complex, which was built in 1980 originally as a seniors-only residence. She explained that the 28-unit, two-storey building has no elevators and no longer serves only seniors.

In 2000 the manor became designated as a rent geared to income property that now offers subsidized low income housing to individuals and families. “I am here to tell you that because of government changes and changes in legislation in 2000, McMullen Manor will never be a seniors only building and that fact will never change. I know that is disappointing but it is legislated.”

She said that people wanting to be housed there have to go through a centralized waiting list though the City of Kingston's Social Housing department and that KFPH has no hand in choosing who can live there.

Brame said that the last vacancy at the manor took 44 showings until it was accepted for occupancy, proving that the manor is a hard sell. “One of the reasons given was the isolation of the community. It is a very difficult building to rent to anybody.”

Brame also said that the manor costs on average $200,000 to $300,000 to keep up per year and a brand new septic system at a cost of $200,000 was put in last year. “People here have mentioned wanting more housing in the area but I am here to let you know that it won't be through KFHC since we are just trying to maintain what we have.”

Brame also spoke of a general feeling of negativity in the community towards the manor. “I want to remind you that it is not all negative. Many special community events happen at the manor and many tenants of the manor have mentioned how they often do not feel welcome in the community.” She also said that in the past some non-law abiding tenants have been evicted from the manor but are continuing to rent private properties in the community.

Following Brame's address one McMullen Manor resident spoke to the crowd and said that following initial feelings of not being welcome, she has since made connections in the community and now feels a part of it. “We manor residents have our own issues as well. People park in our parking spots and often when I have come home from work I have not been able to park in my designated parking spot.” Resident Linda Brown suggested finding positive ways of individuals and community groups utilizing the common room at the manor to make residents there feel more welcome in the community.

Long time Verona resident Bill Asselstine spoke about what he regards as “the recent down turn in the area”. He said it was a result of low income housing, which he said has forced him to put his generations-old Verona home up for sale. “Low income housing doesn't belong here. I'd like to see this community come back to what it was. I don't feel that my kids are safe here anymore and I would certainly like to see things get better.”

Councilor John McDougall had the last word of the evening and hoped to end the meeting on a positive note. After thanking his colleagues on council for attending the meeting, McDougall reminded the crowd to think of the positives that the community has to offer. “Of course there are negatives but I have the utmost respect for this community and the people here. I have felt welcomed here since I and my family first arrived in 1975 and I think that nowhere else around the community or in the county can you find a community that looks out and cares for one another like people do here.”

VCA menber Wayne Conway, said that information from the public meeting will be processed and prioritized and then presented to council. Attendees were invited to provide contact information to the VCA so that they can informed of future developments on the topic of community improvements. Those who missed the meeting and would like more information about this and other VCA events, visit www.yourverona.com