By Mark Squibb/July 8, 2022
The City of Mount Pearl has rejected an application from a business hoping to host a motorcycle training school on the rear parking lot of Mount Pearl Square due to noise concerns.
The parking lot boarders nearby Harlequin Crescent and Goldeneye Place, and councillor Mark Rice was concerned about those residents dealing with the sound of loud motorcycles.
“My main concern is the residents up in that area,” said Rice. “I certainly would support (the business) if they could have it in a different location.”
Rice added he was concerned about the hours of operation, noting the school would be running early in the morning and late at night Saturdays and Sundays.
Councillor Bill Antle noted the parking lot is currently closed off, and wondered if it would be opened again and possibly used for other purposes.
Director Gerry Antle said it would depend on the type of business that wished to use the lot, and that it would have to come to council for consideration.
“But it is a parking lot,” said councillor Isabelle Fry. “It’s meant to park cars, not to operate a business, correct?”
Antle said that that is indeed its use, but depending on the commercial use permit that has been provided, certain operations can be approved.
“But right now, it’s designated as a parking lot,” said Antle.
The application from Two Guys Training was indeed a change of use application.
Fry echoed concerns that Rice had raised earlier in the meeting regarding the close proximity to residents.
“Motorcycles from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. is a little bit invasive to those residents,” said Fry.
