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LETTER: Consider risks of development

I would respectfully ask the mayor and council to consider the below listed items when assessing the developer's application.

Dear Editor:

I am concerned about the proposed luxury condominium development and would respectfully ask the mayor and council to consider the below listed items when assessing the developer's application.

Risk: To health and safety of the present residents or future workers in the event of a catastrophic landslide during construction.

Risk: Of undermining existing adjacent properties and homes.

Risk: Of adversely effecting the existing aquifer to the trout hatchery.

Risk: To 300 lakes currently stocked by the hatchery.

Risk: Of compromising $100 million revenue from Canadian anglers and overseas fisherman who make B.C. a vacation destination.

Risk: To the B.C. tourism industry as a result of the above.

Risk: To the downtown Summerland business community losing valuable and much needed trade due to the isolated location of this project.

Risk: Of constructing a six- or seven-storey luxury apartment development in a red zoned unstable ravine.

Risk: Potential access problems to emergency vehicles negotiating steep and winding roads incorporating blind bends.

Risk: To current residents on Solly Road and Latimer Avenue due to increased traffic flows in these areas.

Risk: Of the Summerland taxpayers having to pick up the tab of repairs and maintenance to the proposed modifications required to the existing infrastructure.

In my opinion, the risks indicated above are real and tangible and are a source of concern for many residents in our community.

Commercial developers are not philanthropists, but are profit motivated and in my view I suspect they are more interested in selling lake view luxury apartments than providing amenities for seniors in Summerland.

Referring to these risks itemized above, it appears clear to me that there is an overwhelming argument not to approve this application by this developer and I suspect that the group, Summerland for Sensible Development, would also agree that these risks are unacceptable and threaten the ambiance and atmosphere of the Lower Town area, but also the sustainability of the downtown business core.

In my view, there is no guarantee that the proponents can address the electorates concerns and we should all keep in mind that if this project proceeds there could be irreversible effects and detrimental consequences for our Summerland community and possibly the British Columbia economy.

Frank Font

Summerland