New association calling for growth in Bolton
By Bill Rea

The controversial growth freeze in Bolton is causing concerns, and a group of business people and residents are calling on the Town to ease up on it.

The Coalition of Concerned Residents and Businesses of Bolton (CCRBB) has started holding weekly meetings and is working on trying to generate more growth in the village and south Albion area.

Greg Pannia, who is heading up the group, commented some people have the perception that decisions are being made based on data that might be out of date, and there's a feeling they're being left out of the loop.

He also stated there are concerns that the growth plans for the area won't be sufficient to sustain the local businesses.

Pannia also pointed out that residential development approved in 2021 is still going to mean at least a three or four year delay before people move in.

The freeze, he said, also means young families in the village can't upgrade, while older families have trouble downsizing.

He added there are alternatives that make sense and they want councillors to look at them.

The group is meeting every Thursday. Pannia said some councillors have been out to meetings, while others have sent regrets and expressed the hope of getting to future meetings.

"We have huge support in this," he remarked, adding they are not looking for massive growth in the community, "but show us some light at the end of the tunnel."

Mayor Marolyn Morrison said she's willing to talk and explain the Town's position. "I've extended an invitation to Mr. Pannia and anyone else he'd like to bring to come in and talk to me," she commented.