The residents of northwest Weyburn are circulating a petition, asking the city to hold a referendum vote on whether the land at the end of Elgin Street and Third Avenue North should be developed or be left as a natural park.

The petition is not asking residents to take a side on the issue; they're saying city residents can do that in the actual vote. The issue is to give the decision on this matter to the residents to decide, rather than leaving it in council's hands.

Council may very well take umbrage at this request, but they should consider that their actions must not only be fair, but be seen to be fair.

In this case, there are some unanswered questions about the proposed development for townhouses at the end of Elgin Street that ought to be cleared up. Council should want everything to be clear and open, so residents can have full confidence that no one was getting special favours in this deal.

For one, Elgin Street residents are wondering why Mayor Don Schlosser paid a personal visit to some residents about this proposed development when it had not come before council for a vote. Some area residents did not get such a visit, and residents are asking if this was a proper thing for the mayor to do on behalf of a private developer.

Another question is in regard to this property; a listing of city lots up for sale does not include this lot, yet these developers were able to get access to them. How was that possible?

One of the developers happens to be a long-time former employee of the City of Weyburn. He was an excellent employee who had high integrity and professionalism in every aspect of his job; therefore, it would stand to reason that he would also want everything to be proper and completely according to all rules. It would be in his best interest for this deal to be completely above-board in every way possible.

Putting the issue to a vote by city residents would help to clarify any questions people might have; plus, there is the advantage of discussing whether this area should be designated as a natural park, or be allowed to be developed.

There are arguments for both sides of this issue, and having a referendum would bring out points on all sides, and residents could then make an informed decision as to the use of this property, based on the facts and not on emotions or tradition.

There is no need for anyone to make any kind of personal attacks; this comes down to the best use for this property, and what is best for the citizens of Weyburn in the long-term. There are benefits to having a natural area, and there is also a benefit to having development. And, as some have pointed out, you can have both: the natural park could be in place, and the development could take place at a different location.

In the end, the citizens should have answers to their questions, and be able to make a clear decision based solely on what is best for the city. - G.N.