Sudbury council approves strip mall for city's south end

One of the last empty lots near the Four Corners was approved for development by Sudbury city councillors last night.

But, they are concerned about adding yet another driveway to the already busy Long Lake Road.

The two-storey commercial plaza was OK'd, despite neighbourhood concerns about traffic and privacy.

And councillors want the developer to help pay for the cost of extending a turning lane.

Councillor Deb McIntosh said she understands that city roads engineers want to keep traffic flowing.

"But I think the children are more important than the vehicles on Long Lake Road," she said.

"And if it takes a few more minutes to get to Walmart, then so be it."

Neighbours voice concern

City councillor Lynne Reynolds said she pushed for a turning lane on that road when she was last on council 10 years ago, but was told it wasn't needed.

Neighbours like Lynda Grigull urged councillors to vote it down, based on the increasingly busy south end thoroughfare.

"If this was your home, your neighbourhood and your children at risk, what would you be doing and where would you be standing at this very moment?"

But councillors approved the development plan, as long as the owner's help pay to lengthen the turning lane on Long Lake Road.

The decision won't be final until its voted on by all of Sudbury city council.