Re: A question of transparency (Our View, April 16)
Yes! Yes! Yes! How refreshing to hear someone else publicly express what this writer thinks is obvious: developers ought to be obliged to consult the neighbourhood with concept only in hand, not a fully developed architectural drawing right down to rental unit size, etc.
That’s what BlueSky Properties, a part of Bosa Properties, did two years ago at our North Park neighbourhood public meeting.
There was opposition to their proposal then and there is opposition to it now. The massing of their proposal and the huge influx of traffic into the neighbourhood that will be precipitated by more than 200 units with various retail outlets including a very large anchor grocery tenant filling a 30,000 square foot space will not serve well our thriving, eclectic, athletic and artistic community. It may serve as a destination ‘shop-till-you-drop’ centre.
The property (formerly St. Andrew’s elementary school) bordered by Franklin Green Park, Vancouver Street, Mason Street and Pandora Street is a site that cries out for an innovative and interesting development that will transition well between our neighbourhood and high density downtown.
Watch out all neighbours. Victoria city council has sent the BlueSky proposal for public hearing. Our voices can still be heard!
Charles Joerin
Victoria
