Forest almost in local homeowner hands
By Chris Simon

An Alcona neighbourhood is one step closer to owning their own forest.

A town committee has approved the sale of a 200 by 300 foot stretch of wooded land during a recent meeting.

The property, which is currently owned by the town, was deemed surplus and too costly to maintain. The land backs onto eight residential properties along Alderslea Crescent and Park, Florence and Merret roads.

While the sale must still be approved by town council, residents are feeling relieved by the progress. They had worried the property would be sold to developers.

"The residents got together, they were quite concerned about the welfare of this land," said councillor Rod Boynton. "They took it upon themselves to get together and we see that they did."

The land is divided into six parcels and one 10 foot stretch of easement. Neighbourhood residents bid a total of $65,510 on the property, the highest of the bids received.

"The process went very smoothly," said Boynton. "Everyone seems satisfied with the outcome."