Now that the fight over the Canterbury Woods senior housing on Gates Circle appears to be resolved, the possibility of other fights revolve around other buildings on the former Millard Fillmore Hospital land.
Behind the scenes, there is bargaining going on to provide more controls on what TM Montante puts on the site. The developer is selling part of the property for the Canterbury Woods senior housing.
Next are plans for a mix of residential and commercial space. Lancaster Avenue may be extended from Delaware to Linwood.
Council President Darius Pridgen says the goal is a voice for the public in the process.
"The entire process is political. It is just a layer to give residents the comfort that these items will be discussed with their representatives," Pridgen said.
"The community does not elect the Planning Board. And, I want to be very, very clear that I am not thrilled. I do not want the Common Council to be another Planning Board."
After a fight and some acrimony the Planning Board approved Canterbury Woods with a significantly different and more expensive facade. Some opponents say that's the first stage of a fight over the rest of the project. Pridgen says Council approval would kick in when a building above a certain size is proposed by making the property a special zoning district.
