Letter to the Editor

Re: Lot 5, Parnaby Road proposal.

We are very disappointed in City of Cranbrook council’s decision of March 14^, which passed third reading for the proposed development of Lot 5 along Parnaby Road. More disappointing than the decision itself, was the process – or lack thereof – which produced it.  Here’s the thing…

According to the transcript from that meeting, several councillors said they were against that type of “hodge podge” development, but then proceeded to vote in favor of the very same.  They provided no explanation for voting contrary to their stated position.  What specifically is it about this particular parcel makes you change your mind? Either you are for a proposal or you are against it. You seem to want to have it both ways.

Council seems to have completely ignored its own Advisory Planning Commission’s advice against the proposed development. Again, there is no explanation as to why. What does council know that their Advisory Planning Commission does not know?

Also, according to the transcript, council separated the letters of concern into those from within the city and those from Electoral Area C residents. The transcript states the letters from Area C residents “echoed what all of the neighbours had already said.” Doesn’t that indicate the objections are important to all area residents whether or not they are in the city? Doesn’t that demonstrate that the city boundary is an arbitrary line which doesn’t reflect the nature of the true, total neighbourhood?

We know the city will grow and Lot 5 will be developed. Indeed, the neighbours of Lot 5 have made several innovative suggestions on how development could occur and still be in the best interest of the environment, of the city, and of the neighbourhood.  It is most disappointing the city has not acknowledged or shown any interest in this type of neighbourly dialogue.

Legally, perhaps, RDEK residents have no say in city matters. However, what kind of neighbourhood exists when community members completely ignore the concerns of their immediate neighbours when so much is shared and so much is at stake?  We will all be living with the results of this decision and will remember how it came about.

Thanks for listening, good neighbour.

Pat and Ann Rice,

Cranbrook

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