By Jack Wilson
Ayer’s Cliff residents met June 19 for a public consultation about two proposed planning bylaws, one of which would change the building permit regime for the controversial Ripplecove Inn development. If passed, that bylaw would require the inn and future nearby developments to submit a complete development vision before receiving building permits, rather than seeking them piecemeal. Close to 40 members of the public attended the meeting, including Ripplecove Inn owner Richard Laliberté.
The other proposed bylaw would largely clarify existing rules and remove height limits for individual floors. That change won’t amend total height limits but will allow higher interior ceilings. “All that interests us is the overall height,” Mayor Simon Roy said.
Since acquiring Ripplecove Inn in 2017, Laliberté has poured millions into developing the luxury lakeside property. Some Ayer’s Cliff locals have met his development with opposition, criticizing the cutting down of trees and the densification of the area.
For his part, Laliberté has accused the city council of obstructing the plans and targeting him specifically. Laliberté attended a June 5 council meeting, in which he dominated the question period, criticizing the municipality for not “collaborating” with his development.
This meeting was no different, with Laliberté speaking far more than any other member of the public. He called the proposed bylaw changes “discriminatory,” for targeting his development. Several speakers agreed that the town was treating Laliberté unfairly, while the town, and especially Roy, argued it had no axe to grind with the developer. Others said they supported the proposal and many among them expressed opposition and confusion around Laliberté’s plans.
