Dear Editor:
Re: Proposed development on Banks Crescent
I live on Solly Road in the neighbourhood that will be affected if the Banks Crescent development becomes a reality.
My initial opposition to this project was based on its proximity to my home and on the information provided to me by the people who came by with a petition.
I have since spent some time trying to educate myself on this proposal. I attended the Public Open House held on Jan. 16 and the Public Information Presentation held on Jan. 19.
I have read every letter submitted to council by the residents of Summerland. I have read most of the reports on the District’s website, and all of the information on the Summerlanders for Sensible Development website. I have read much of the OCP, the Cultural Plan and the Lower Town Strategic Plan.
A lot of good people have put a lot of time and effort into researching this proposal and exposing the flaws in it. Still, I can see the validity in both sides of the argument.
Summerland could certainly use a project to bring jobs to the community and tax revenues, but at what cost?
I didn’t see a lot of support for the project from the letters submitted.
I didn’t see a vision for a development of this size in the OCP, the Cultural Plan, the Agricultural Plan or any other plans that were laboured over by our good citizens to map a future for our community. A future that would embody the spirit and heritage of Summerland.
All the reasons against this proposal have been elaborated on by many others: the risk to the Trout Hatchery’s water supply; the rezoning and loss of viable agricultural land to high density residential; the narrow, steep access roads; the poor access to downtown for the residents; the questionable need for this kind of seniors’ housing; the surrounding red-zones; etc., all valid reasons for concern.
Tonight I took my dog for a walk.
We circled the Bristow Valley from the lakeshore to Bristow Road and I tried to envision several six-storey condo buildings in that beautiful little gem of a valley and it made me sad.
At the same time I tried to envision the same large-scale development in the middle of any residential area in Summerland or in the middle of Prairie Valley or Garnet Valley.
It doesn’t make any sense to me.
I submit to you, mayor and council, a project of this scope and size does not belong in this neighbourhood and perhaps not in any neighbourhood in Summerland.
Cameron M. Bond
Summerland