Letter from Richard Bickel Re: Proposed development at Glentana Rd

Re: Proposed development at 105, 106, 107, 108 Glentana Rd

To Mayor and Council:

The proposed development on this site raises concerns for this resident living directly to the west.

Retention of trees on the site

The proposal mentions removal of the maples that line the curb. These trees create a buffer between the street and the building and are a most pleasant feature as one drives along Glentana Rd. And, importantly, the trees provide habitat for wildlife. Given the footprint size of this proposed development it is important that mature trees be preserved.

There are also mature native trees, a grand fir, an arbutus and an alder? in the south east corner of the proposed development site and I strongly encourage council to ensure that these trees are preserved and protected if this is not already included in the proposal.

Retention of the Leyland Cypress hedge on the west side of the property is important as will be described below.

Size of building

In looking at the drawings of the building it was apparent that the size and the design of the structure is like nothing else in this area. The building appears to loom over the street and the adjacent properties such as 1500 Glentana Rd where I reside. Looking out from our master bedroom window the existing Leyland Cypress hedge would provide an adequate screen for a three to four story building to the east where the proposed development is to be located.

A five story building on this site is too high. A building this size would loom over the neighbourhood and our complex. A five story building does not fit in with the neighbourhood which has nothing like it. The closest comparison would be the new Amica residence at Gorge and Admirals which is four stories. I strongly encourage council to limit the size of this development to four stories or less.

Thank you for your consideration.

Richard Bickel