Correspondence from E. Chauncey re: Development Variance Permit - 81 High Street

Re: proposed variance for 81 High St.

I lived at 79 High St., which is next door to 81 High St., from 1983 to 2005. I was one of the founding members, along with Andria Tetlow, of the Friends of Knockan Hill Park, in 1991. We were a very active society in terms of park protection, maintenance, and park acquisition. Because the park is quite small, and is one of very few still intact Garry Oak Meadow systems, the ecological integrity is very vulnerable.

In 2005, I requested a lot line variance to subdivide a lot to the south of the existing home at 79 High St. This section of the property was used as a vegetable garden and a horse paddock. It had already been cleared and developed before I purchased the property.

The granting of that variance, 18 years ago, had basically no environmental impact. I understand that there's been a parallel argument for the granting of the variance for 81 High St., but this is not an analogous situation.

To develop the lot at 81 High St. will require extensive tree removal and blasting. Ecologists are much more aware now of the damage that can be done to the integrity and the interrelatedness of such a small ecosystem.

I'm still quite connected with the neighbors on the street, many of whom have lived there between 40 and 50 years, and who are uncomfortable speaking out about this because they do not want to offend their neighbors. The sentiment on the street is opposed to this variance. So I am quite concerned that allowing this variance will have a negative impact on Knockan Hill Park, and the High Street community.

Please take the time to review the impact this proposal.

Sincerely,

Evie Chauncey 5379 Parker Avenue