I am a homeowner near this proposed “Major Daycare.”
I have the right to question the size of this daycare and the manner in which the city is pushing this ahead, without being subjected to sarcasm and disrespect.
The reader’s poll conducted by the Penticton Western News last week is not fair as it oversimplifies the question and does not consider the facts in this case.
Did Ms. Bootsma check with our Economic Development Officer for appropriate business space before purchasing this residential home for her business? Her proposal is to gut the house to accommodate her business — it will never be a residential home again.
I support neighbourhood daycare, four to six children in a home daycare as allowed under our residential zoning. It does not have to be a large institution to provide quality daycare.
At the public hearing a speaker pointed out to council that daycares are a lucrative and competitive business ($700 per month per child) and that council would be approving an unfair business advantage. His estimate was that Ms. Bootsma would save over $7,000 a year in property taxes. But his comments seem to have been ignored, as was our petition signed by over 30 neighbours.
Our neighbourhood has legitimate concerns which are not being addressed. Warning, this can happen in your neighbourhood too. With 10 days notice the zoning can be changed to accommodate whatever proposal council supports.
Hanna Taylor
Penticton
