Real estate signage has popped up in the area of Mad Rock in Bay Roberts, prompting a flurry of calls and comments to the Town Council. The scenic area includes a popular heritage hiking trail, and is one of the town’s main tourist draws.

In a statement to VOCM News, Mayor Philip Wood says apart from the roadways in the area, the land is privately owned. Council’s understanding is that the property owner is looking to market and sell his property – which they say is within the rights of any property owner.

Wood says the land is currently zoned as “Mad Rock – Comprehensive Development Area” where the only permitted use is “conservation” and where there are no current discretionary uses listed.

Any changes to the zoning or development would require a full public process as outlined in the Town of Bay Roberts Municipal Plan and Development Regulations, according to Wood.

He says both the owner and realtor are aware of that.

To date, Wood says the Town of Bay Roberts has not received any requests for rezoning or any applications to develop the property in any way, either by the current owner or by any prospective purchaser.