Correspondence from Aaron and Christina Philippsen re: Proposed Development - 298 Island Highway

Correspondence Regarding: Lot 1, Section 8, Esquimalt District, Plan 35505

To Whom it May Concern,

Regarding: Lot 1, Section 8, Esquimalt District, Plan 35505:

Thank you for your review of this comment.

My wife and I are concerned that an increase in small car spaces and a decrease in commercial parking spaces will create an increase in street parking on Eltham Rd, where there is already a considerable number of residents who use street parking for themselves and their guests. We are concerned that residents of the condominium, guests of the condominium, and employees of the commercial space, and those shopping at the commercial space will fill up the street parking on Eltham.

The minimum requirements for parking for a new development were put in place by the city for good reason. Have the developers provided mitigations for the harm that lack of adequate parking can cause? Does this development offer something to the neighbourhood that a similar development that meets the cities guidelines for parking cannot also provide? Why should we rush to permit a variance? Our city and neighbourhood is a well run desirable place to live. We could wait until developers can meet our terms for development.

Alternatively, if there are instances demonstrated in other cities where these variances have been shown to not cause problems, that could be a good reason to allow them.

As a final note: if allowing the variance is motivated by the city's finances, I would rather allow a tax increase or a service decrease than allow developers to push well established rules for a short term financial benefit.

Thank you for your time,

Sincerely,

Aaron and Christina Philippsen Unit 301- 288 Eltham Rd.