Letter dated March 4, 2019 from D. Witzer, 25-1501 Glentana Road, Re: Rezoning Application - 1801 Admirals Road

RE: PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF CRAIGFLOWER MANOR SITE - 1801 ADMIRALS RD

I have strong personal ties to the subject property, having been a resident overlooking it since 1980.

I might even view the site more than anyone else in View Royal, with it featured predominantly in my clear and unobstructed view from my upstairs, home office, my living room and back yard.

I’m quite protective of it, watching for mischievous activities and often picking up neglected litter.

I was likely the first citizen to observe and report the Manor fire in 2009 before the fire department had arrived in response to the automated alarm system.

This property has at times been encumbered by other ventures, but for the past 4 decades at least, the property has been enjoyed by citizens and guests as valued and protected greenspace surrounding the manor and out buildings.

Ideally, I believe, the property much better serves the citizens in its current configuration and value as green space, and I urge the majority of Council decline and disallow the Zoning amendment and proposal, but I have a sense that is optimistic and may be an unlikely outcome at this juncture.

Even if the majority of Council believed that a development on this property would benefit the community, I submit to you that it is not the full-scale of the proposal that is before you now.

Although there are new provisions and designation in the View Royal Zoning Bylaw to now permit extended activities in View Royal parks, this proposal, in particular, is more closely aligned with commercial activities than those of cultural or park. It pushes the envelope of what one might expect in a local park and on that historic property. This is not a museum-type offering, or heritage offering, or, for that matter, much of a cultural offering, native or otherwise. It is more closely aligned with a commercial venture and social house, given the intended uses of licenced premises, kitchen, hall rentals, gift shop and similar examples that I am aware this proposal offers.

I will be impacted by this proposal. My home, my neighbours’ homes, homes on Brigadoon Place, homes on Shoreline and the new residential use of the old Comfort Inn Suites on Admirals are all in very close proximity to the subject property.

Situated upland of the site, my home is not obstructed from light or noise from the subject property. My family and I easily hear the sounds generated by current uses.

I have concerns about the extent of impacts to my family’s enjoyment of our home, and that may be due in part to the absence of the public engagement that Council asked the applicant to undertake at the Council Meeting on January 15th of this year.

Unlike the Canadian Tire project, where my concerns were addressed within the context of their Development Permit, I understand that there is no Development Permit as part of this project.

However, I appeal to Council and Town staff that they endeavour to ensure that controls be in place on this property in whatever form such controls might substitute a Development Permit.

Because I foresee direct impact to me, my family, my neighbours and nearby residents through noise, evening disturbance and light pollution, I ask of Council that; should this proposal be approved, conditions be implemented to;

1. Control hours, lumens, height and design of onsite lighting as to reduce impact and light pollution nuisance, including a discontinuance of parking lot and any high-lumen lighting around the proposed building when the building is not in use;
2. Restrict the hours of operation so that residents in the area are not expected to endure late-night disruptions due to hall rental activities, or amplified music into the evening, even when such activities are permitted;
3. Reduce the height and prominence of the proposed single storey building;
4. Prohibit or strongly restrict alcohol service, including no alcohol being permitted outside of the proposed building;
5. Prohibit any further development of the grassed areas in front of the Manor and along the Island Highway frontage so that the ambient attractiveness and historic nature of the Manor are better protected and to ensure that those grassland areas remain available for public gathering use during events such as Canada Day celebrations;
6. Ensure any rooftop machinery, waste bins and similar ancillary items are fully enclosed from view of residents;
7. Ensure the directional lighting that historically lit the front of the manor is restored, repaired and maintained;
8. Reinforce and apply the requirement to conform with View Royal Bylaw No. 986, and
9. Restrict the hours of site construction and disallow construction activities on weekends or statutory holidays.

I trust that Council will view these nine points reasonable, appropriate and workable for the applicant. I would look forward to being invited to discuss them with Town staff.

I also trust that you will refresh your awareness of my letter to you dated January 15th regarding this proposal insofar as it pertained to the Rezoning and proposed development.

Thank you for your continued service, and your consideration. I remain available to discuss these points further with you. Please feel welcome to contact me by reply email or phone.

David Witzer, #25-1501 Glentana Road, View Royal, BC, V9A 7B2