I just have to write this letter because I am upset with the front-page story ‘Flipping in Parksville’ (The NEWS, June 23).
I cannot help wonder what has happened to this city. Why does it appear that the City of Parksville only seems interested in getting a tax-based income by issuing development permits left, right and centre?
The sale of the property on Jensen Avenue from MacLean Homes to Revera, a company that builds “high quality” living for seniors who are obviously in a higher income bracket than many other seniors living in our area, is, in my opinion, like someone trying to pull the wool over the city’s eyes.
I am asking if the new owners will have to make a new application to the city for a development permit and submit their plans for this site?
Will the city have another Stanford Place, only that it will be built like the towers at The Beach Club? And don’t even get me started about the water shortage around here.
I am not against development. I have seen plenty of it in this town in the 25 years I have been here. However, I think the mayor and council should look around and see how many empty storefronts and housing projects that are half done and then left empty.
In my opinion, this city has lost the very ambiance that once drew the tourists to our fair town. Even the beautiful beach we once had is now strewn with rocks and gravel and somewhat ruined our seashore.
I truly hope the present mayor and council will take note of what is happening here and start to preserve our city by the sea.
ARLENE ELPHICKEParksville
