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LETTER: Serious issues surround development

I do not believe the development at 13610 Banks Cres. will be detrimental to the value of our home.

Dear Editor:

As a Summerland home owner, I do not believe the development at 13610 Banks Cres. will be detrimental to the value of our home. Nevertheless, I would like to express my opinions on the project.

There is no doubt, Summerland needs jobs and this development would bring construction and health care jobs along with other career opportunities. As well, the extra tax dollars would benefit the long-term goals of the community. However, there are so many serious issues regarding this development that at this time, it ought to be voted down.

Developing in a gully with Red zone areas all around, environmental issues and lack of infrastructure should be enough to discourage any council. In fact, during my terms on council, I voted against development in this area for exactly these reasons.

Residents will be told that the developer will pick up the costs for building the new roads, sidewalks, sewer, water, and electrical expansion and that may be true. Still, the long-term repair and maintenance costs, will be shared by all Summerland residents, forever.

A shuttle will help move the facility’s residents around the community but this development is too far to be considered in the core of Summerland. Very few if any will be able to walk up into the downtown area to enjoy the shopping, social and recreational opportunities. Even getting out and walking the steep hills will be difficult for most seniors living in the facility.

While this land in not in the ALR it is still currently used for agricultural purposes so it does seem odd to many of us that it is okay to suddenly turn this land into high-rise concrete buildings. I understand how many of the councillors must feel looking at the limited tax dollars you have available to manage Summerland.

Wouldn’t it be better to develop from the core of our community outward using the infrastructure we already have in place? Wouldn’t it be better to build this type of development where people can enjoy the easy access to shopping, recreation, and the library, just to name a few?

You have been given the okay to keep the schools open for now but if you don’t encourage more families into town, eventually the schools will close. Wouldn’t it be better to build more family housing in the core of town?

This development is a good one. However, until land is available closer to the downtown core, it should be deferred into the future.

Janice Perrino

(Summerland’s Mayor, 2008-2014)

Nanaimo