Trailer values collapse under rezoning, IRAC told

A resident of Idle Wheels Trailer Park in Charlottetown told a rezoning hearing Monday that what value she has in her trailer will disappear if a decision to rezone is upheld.

'He suggested I would be lucky to get $5,000 … I don't think I would get anything.' — Lana Baglole

City council was unanimous in its decision against the rezoning, but it was overruled by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission. IRAC made a decision last year to allow the owner of the land to demolish the park near the intersection of Allan St. and Mt. Edward Rd. in favour of apartment buildings. In a rare move, however, IRAC decided to reopen the debate by hearing from residents personally affected by the decision.

The rezoning would force the removal of 19 trailers and the people living in them.

Trailer park resident Lana Baglole said she's been told by an appraiser that the value of her trailer will drop dramatically if IRAC's decision stands.

"Their professional opinion of what my home would be worth would be about $15,000 if the zoning was not a factor," said Baglole.

"However, with the rezoning as a factor, he suggested I would be lucky to get $5,000. I don't think that would be what I would get. I don't think I would get anything."

Gordon MacKay represents the landowner, L. and A. MacEachern. MacKay told IRAC the residents failed to provide any new information, and therefore IRAC's original decision to allow the apartment buildings to go ahead should stand.

The commissioners said they will provide a written decision in the near future.