Correspondence: Thoughtful Development
An email from a resident expressing concerns over housing developments and traffic density on Island Highway.
From: niece Garry Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:48 AM To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Subject: Thoughtful Development
Thoughtful Development
Dear Mayor and Councillors,
As a caring resident of View Royal I am concerned about the number of developments along Island Hwy between Admirals and Colwood Interchange. That stretch of road (2.6 km long) there are 4 developments in the works (at the moment) on what is already a very busy (road (especially during commute times).
Three of these developments have been more or less signed off on as far as council's influence goes so I must focus on the 4th development, Boardwalk's rezoning application at 339-345 Island Highway.
As we all know this company’s job is to make money for their investors. They are not here to make “community”. Something to remember is the debacle that occured when View Royal's Christy Point was rezoned by a financial landlord causing a great uproar in our community. When the dust settled they got what they wanted with some grandfathered rental promises to some residents. That property has since changed hands at a handsome profit without making any changes to the actual property. What they did sell is upzoning - a huge upside for the next developer. I question if the grandfathered residents are still in the equation.
Their request at 339,341 and 345 Island Hwy for 270-odd units would pour another 600 people onto a road that is already stretched, especially considering the existing developments. This request being market rental means that people need to share space just to afford the rent. The developer will also stratify so they will be poised to sell as well. So given all that,what do you want to see?? A couple of six storey buildings with too many people? or a thoughtful combination of 2-storey townhomes, and 4 to 5 storey max apartments with livable green spaces, parking below, amenities that make it desirable for purchase (as that will happen) instead of it becoming an eyesore in the future. Boardwalk has all these buildings that seem to be their cookie cutter architectural design, which works for them as it saves money, but does little to address what our community needs.
It is important to the residents of View Royal that development is done in an orderly and planned manner. The current View Royal plan is the 2011 OCP which stipulates that these properties' Land UseDesignation is Mixed Residential, which allows for development with the following building types:
- small lot detached houses
- townhouses and low-rise apartments
- up to 3 stories/1.25 FSR permitted
- 4 stories/1.6 FSR permitted for apartment dwellings
I fear that communities have little recourse in holding the developers' feet to the fire, i.e. what they promise and what they build.
Our community is not their focus but yours is.
Thank you for your time,