I am troubled that the majority of Oak Bay council seems determined to rush through the proposed Abstract Development proposal at Bowker and Cadboro Bay roads.
As I recall, a majority of the council of the day fought hard to block the rebuilding of Oak Bay Lodge – which is across the street from this proposed development – because it was too large. If I am not mistaken the proposed luxury condo building has much more massing than the Oak Bay Lodge proposal and will have no setback from the street.
The Oak Bay Lodge proposal had large setbacks from the nearby residents and would have both protected the jobs of the largest employer in Oak Bay and allowed care for the 300-plus residents to be provided close to home.
When you compare the proposal to the various apartments to the west of the site, most of them have large setbacks with flowers and shrubs to add beauty to the site.
Every large development that occurred when I was on council was referred by council to a special committee of the whole for community input and I would urge that this proposal be treated the same.
I would also urge residents who are concerned to attend the committee meeting next Monday as it sounds like the last chance to influence this matter.
John Herbert
Oak Bay
