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LETTER: It is not too late to reject proposal

We now have 12,000 residents. Why place 1,000 people in this remote location?
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Dear Editor:

This is a reminder that individually and collectively municipal council cannot assign blame regarding Banks Crescent on the developer and whether or not your staff provided you with full and reliable information. It is not too late, you need to say no to rezoning this property.

Current zoning is Agriculture. OCP calls for RMD which only allows single family homes, duplexes or townhouse units (maximum eight units per building.)

Lark should be asking for RMD, instead they are asking for Residential High Density plus a large commercial operation for a total of more than 400 new housing units in this established low density residential community.

There are many negative aspects to this remote location. It is not walking distance for seniors. These steep narrow and winding roads will be unsafe with an additional 1,000 people using them on a daily basis, how soon will it be until a child is hit? That will always be on you (and Lark and Gary Tamblyn and Summerland staff.)

There are risks from sink holes and silt bluffs and the fish hatchery risks being put out of business.

The new lake view condos will be popular as seasonal homes or VRBO units, however Summerland would benefit more from townhouses as buyers would likely be full time residents.

We now have 12,000 residents. Why place 1,000 people in this remote location?

This is a divisive project and for good reason over 25 per cent of residents from all parts of Summerland have already voiced strong opposition to this location.

Like many residents I support development that promotes stable growth, employment and provides additional revenues to help the community maintain services and to thrive.

All town planners recommend high density development near the downtown core and existing retail centres. There are better locations that would offer lake views including several large properties at the top of Solly Road and Pleasant View Motel.

These have excellent access to the highway and are close to a shopping centre. I can see no good reason why Lark would not consider a better location.

Mayor and council, many of you have lived in Summerland for many years and have the long term interests of this community at heart.

The developer, their consultants and even some Summerland staff do not share your dedication to Summerland and to public safety.

Say no to this property and help Lark or another group to build in an acceptable location.

Doug Carnegie

Summerland