Correspondence from Todd Stewart regarding 81 High St.
An email expressing opposition to the development variance at 81 High Street due to environmental and neighborhood impacts.
Letter regarding application for a development variance #DVP2023-02
From: Todd Stewart
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 9:04 AM
To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca
Subject: Letter regarding application for a development variance #DVP2023-02
With regards to the application for a development variance for 81 High Street, we are opposed.
We live directly across from the proposed subdivision application, so this would impact us. As existing, there is a large rock outcrop that would need to be removed or worked around, that supports native trees that coexist with the park in behind that is considered to be a gem for the Greater Victoria area. Knocken Hill Park is shared between Saanich and View Royal, and our understanding is that there is a covenant on all properties backing onto the park in the Saanich area. It would be a shame if View Royal did not also respect the park, as planned by those involved when it was created, and do our utmost to protect it when we work with properties that back onto it. 81 High Street is a large lot that could be properly subdivided for two houses, which the Greater Victoria area sorely needs, but we feel that this is a poor attempt at doing so. For a lot this size, there should be no need for a variance. If that means that the existing house needs to be altered to accommodate a new house fitting in with minimal impact to the surrounding ecosystem, then that is what should be considered, rather than looking at removing trees and rock that have potentially been around longer than the existing home.
Sincerely,
Todd Stewart
88 High Street