Correspondence Re: Application for a Development Variance Permit for the property at 231 Heddle Avenue (Baker, Jan 8)
Letter from a resident objecting to the proposed development and subdivision at 231 Heddle Avenue due to traffic and character concerns.
January 8, 2019
View Royal Mayor and Council 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6
Sent via e-mail: mayorscreech@viewroyal.ca ; mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca
Re: Application for a Development Variance Permit for the property at 231 Heddle Avenue, legally described as Lot 3, Section 8, Esquimalt District, Plan 45669
Dear Mayor Screech and Councillors Kowalewich, Lemon, Mattson, and Rogers:
I write to object to the above-noted Application for a Development Variance Permit concerning 231 Heddle Ave.
As I have previously indicated (in the attached letter to you of January 10, 2018), the property consists of a single family home on 1.113 acres, and is situated at the dead-end of Heddle Ave. As you may be aware, in late 2017 the developer who purchased the property held a meeting for nearby property owners about a proposed development. The proposal at that time was for a nine-unit townhome complex. I understand that the developer now wishes to subdivide the lot. His intent as to how each lot, once subdivided, will be used is not apparent; however, I assume that he will pursue multi-unit dwellings on each lot.
Heddle Ave is a quiet residential street with only nine single-family homes and a small children’s playground that is used daily by local families. As a resident of Heddle Ave, I am strongly opposed to a development of this nature in the neighbourhood. If the subdivision is approved and then multi-unit buildings are approved for each lot, it would set a concerning precedent for development of larger lots in this part of View Royal – of which there are many. It would negatively impact Heddle Ave and the surrounding area. My family moved to Heddle Ave because it is a very quiet and family-friendly street (my toddler is learning to ride her bicycle at the end of our street, where the proposed development is located, as there are very few vehicles that currently use that part of the street).
A subdivision of this nature would mean an influx of vehicle traffic and associated traffic safety concerns, implications for playground use, and generally change the peaceful and cohesive feel of the street.
I am not opposed to all development in View Royal – indeed, I support the condominiums that are being built on the Island Hwy – but it has to be the right kind of development for the neighbourhood. This is not the right kind of development.
I implore you to vote against this proposal.
Sincerely,
Ardys Baker 251 Heddle Ave