Halifax woman's complaints about new Bilby Street gas station go unheard
A woman in North End Halifax who will soon have her backyard view blocked by the brick wall of a new Ultramar service station, says she hasn't received any help from officials about her concerns.
Neila MacDonald has lived on Bilby Street for over 30 years, and says her backyard has always neighboured a service station.
In June, however, MacDonald said the property was torn down and is now being rebuilt with a new building in a new spot — much closer to her home.
"I asked a work man, 'Where's the building going?'" said MacDonald. "And he said, 'Right here', and he was standing just behind my fence."
MacDonald has spent the last few weeks trying to get in touch with city officials and Ultramar representatives because the new building will block sunlight that normally shines through her property.
She said she hasn't had much luck from the city's planning office.
"I spoke to planning — he said 'No'. [The station owners] followed the rules and that's the way that bylaw is written. They're going to build it and that's it."
Since the building's new location took her by surprise, she thinks the rules should be changed so anyone affected by new developments is consulted or notified first.
"Builders have a responsibility, businesses have a responsibility to let people know what they're doing in their area."
MacDonald said she's decided to speak out because she believes her experiences may be a cautionary tale for other neighbourhoods in the future.
"I think this is totally unfair. It's not the Bedford Highway or it's not an industrial park, it's a little neighbourhood that is being totally affected."
