The village’s negotiations with Related Ross continue, but it is now up to the council to take the necessary vote. A vote of approval still gives the village the power to shape the final design of the development. The developer still needs approval from the village planning board and a final vote from the board before construction can begin. This is a legitimate control the village has by working with Related Ross, which gives residents the final say on the project.

Wellington took time on K-Park plan

In an ideal world, the steps leading to the development of K-Park would have unfolded in a much different way. The community, knowing the potential value of the parcel, would have come together through a series of charrettes, community meetings and town halls to discuss what they wanted to see on the site and, more importantly, strategize realistic to achieve this. Once consensus was reached, the village would issue a request for proposals, a process that would hopefully attract the right developer with the right proposal.

Instead, the village finds itself in the awkward position of pushing for a development plan, but still not achieving community consensus on the parcel. Some want to start the process again, urging the council to abandon the plan before it by issuing a new tender. Others want community meetings to discuss what should be on the site – how much and what type of housing, what type of entertainment venues, green space, parking, bike paths – legitimate questions raised late in the process.