A development proposal for a property at 13610 Banks Cres. is about to come before council once again.
The developer — Lark Enterprises Ltd. — and the property on Banks Crescent are both familiar to Summerlanders.
From late 2016 until early 2018, Lark had another development proposal application for the same property.
That development, for a 424-unit seniors housing facility, was defeated last February in a 5-2 council decision.
In the months leading up to the council vote, the proposal generated plenty of opposition and outrage within the community.
A petition, circulated by residents living near the Banks Crescent location, grew to more than 3,000 signatures and during the discussion on the development proposal, many residents voiced their concerns about the impact they believed the development would have on the community and on the trout hatchery.
This time, Lark has a different development proposal in the works.
Instead of a large seniors housing facility, this proposal is for a 38-lot subdivision.
Because of the earlier outcry from the community about the seniors housing facility, it is possible that this new concept will come up against some resistance from the community.
However, before reaching a conclusion, whether for or against this development, take the time to examine what is being proposed and how it could affect Summerland.
Any development proposal should be evaluated on whether it is appropriate for the location and the community.
Before council makes a decision on this development, several important steps are needed. The proposal will go to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Advisory Planning Commission. Municipal staff will prepare reports on the application.
And, since the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw must both be amended for this development to proceed, public hearings will be required as part of the process.
A process is in place for this or any other development proposal.
Following the process and carefully considering the application will ensure the best outcome is reached.