Grimsby aldermen are anxious to find out what the fate of the old Bamford and Lampman Auto Wreckers property is going to be.

For years the wrecking yard, located at the western boundary of the town on Regional Road 81, has been part of consideration for the creation of a major residential development.

It appears, however, the wrecking yard may re-open according to new signage at the property.

Ald. Nick DiFlavio, during a Planning and Development Committee meeting April 29, said a sign has been erected at the property saying the yard, which was originally supposed to be cleaned up as part of the residential development proposal, will be re-opening soon.

"The sign has raised some concerns for me," said Ald. DiFlavio, who noted he was looking forward to having the property cleaned up in terms of environmental contamination from the wrecking yard.

The project has faced delays since 2001, most recently due to an alleged conflict between two of the three property owners, including the owner of the Bamford and Lampman property.

Planning Director Keith Vogl said at the meeting the town is investigating whether or not it can be re-opened as a wrecking yard.

In its previous operation it was considered a legal non-comforming use.

One of the three properties, located the farthest to the east next to the existing subdivision, has already been approved by council and work is ongoing to meet the draft conditions, said planner Greg Hynde.

"We've been certainly working on our phase," said Mr. Hynde, confirming conflict does remain between the owners of the other two properties.

While that squabble goes on, he says, they are quietly working to develop their lands as a first phase of what could ultimately be a large project, covering nearly 30 acres of land.

"We've always kept the doors open," he said of discussions with the other property owners. "The road patterns and plans are designed to accommodate the whole subdivision."

As for the first phase, which was approved conditionally last year, Mr. Hynde said he hopes the approvals will all be in place by September.