Dear Editor:
Summerland council has commenced the disintegration of Summerland.
At a council meeting on March 22, Summerland mayor and council changed Summerland forever. A nice pocket neighbourhood has just been destroyed.
While council passed a rezoning from low-density to high density with mayor and council thinking they were approving affordable housing they obviously did not understand exactly what they in fact did approve.
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Let’s be clear, affordable housing is excellent and the mayor and council do understand that fact. But the rezoning of the parcel of land on Jubilee Road most definitely does not accomplish what they appeared to be in favour of. All they did was simply pass a rezoning from low density to high density.
Now the mayor and council must approve two variances, the first to allow five storeys instead of four and the second allow less parking.
Let’s get together and stop this. The Summerland Community Plan Bylaw No. 2014-002 states very clearly the appropriateness of new Low Density Residential (intensification) should be based on the following criteria:
1. Minimize visual impact and maximize integration with the existing neighbourhood character.
2. Design and locate buildings to minimize any loss of privacy or sunlight on neighbouring homes.
3. New designs should incorporate features that promote walkability.
Passing of this rezoning contravened all three. Many residents lost their privacy completely, many residents lost their sunlight, visual impact is gone completely and the roadway most definitely does not promote walkability.
This is one of the most dangerous roadways in Summerland. Let’s hope someone does not get killed, just because the mayor and council ignored their own rules.
The mayor and council totally ignored all points despite the fact it is inconsistent with the Official Community Plan, despite the fact these points were addressed at the public hearing, and in advance of the public hearing by myself and totally dismissed personally addressed these points both in advance of the hearing.
As stated, I am in favour of affordable housing as is the mayor and council but voting for a rezoning definitely does not address this serious issue. In addition, there is a parcel of land that would be absolutely perfect for affordable housing and all criteria would be met, yet mayor and council completely ignored the suggestion.
In closing, mayor and council have just started the process of the disintegration of Summerland as we now know it, turning a nice pocket neighbourhood into high density housing completely destroying privacy and sunlight for adjoining residents.
Is this just the first of many?
Election time is quickly approaching, we must elect officials who follow the bylaws of the District of Summerland.
Bob Todhunter
Summerland
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