UPDATE: 9:00 p.m.
The list of speakers is drawing to a close at the controversial Banks Crescent development proposal public hearing.
The hearing started at 1:30 p.m. Monday afternoon and with a short break continued again after 6 p.m.
Many of those speaking, especially those living near the proposal, say the development is in the wrong location. Others say it is far too big for the location.
The contentious issue is one that is being closely monitored by local residents.
An up-to-date story on the hearing will be provided in the morning.
Please check back for more information and send your letters to the editor to news@summerlandreview.com
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UPDATE: 7:27 p.m.
The public hearing continues in Summerland.
A portion of the hearing was broadcast by the Summerland Review on Facebook, but due to technical difficulties, the entire hearing will not be shown.
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UPDATE: 3:26 p.m.
More than 40 speakers are expected to take the podium at the public hearing regarding Banks Crescent development in Summerland.
So far the hearing has heard from about 29 of them, with the most recent speaking on behalf of the trout hatchery.
The general consensus is that the idea for the development is good, the location is wrong.
While others say the economic benefits are badly needed in Summerland.
Be sure to follow along on our Facebook page, and online for more information regarding this hearing as it continues today.
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FBlive
Summerlanders can voice their opinions on the controversial Banks Crescent development proposal on Monday, Feb. 5 at a public hearing.
The District of Summerland’s public hearing will be held at the Arena Banquet Room, 8820 Jubilee Rd., from 1:30 to
4:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
RELATED: Date chosen for Banks Crescent public hearing
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The hearing may be extended if additional time is needed to accommodate all who wish to speak.
At issue is the proposal by the Lark Group to build 424 units of seniors housing on land overlooking Okanagan Lake.
The property is a total of 5.7 hectares, with a usable area of 2.6 hectares.
RELATED: Petitions, support letters presented
The development proposal is a mix of market housing, independent and assisted living, along with amenities.
At present, the land is being used as an orchard, although it is not in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
The proposal was first presented to the public in November, 2016.
RELATED: Banks Crescent project moving to next stage
Since that time, opponents of the proposal have voiced their concerns about the stability of the slope, the effects on Shaugnessy Spring which supplies water to the trout hatchery in Summerland, the effects of increased traffic and changes to the character of the neighbourhood.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. has submitted a letter to council, outlining their concerns about the Aquifer Protection Strategy document, prepared by Lark Enterprises Ltd.’s consultants.
RELATED: Organization voices support for development
Hatchery representatives are concerned about the effects of possible turbidity events from the development.
A petition opposing the development, circulated by Summerlanders for Sensible Development, was started in December, 2016. The petition, in written and online forms, now has more than 3,100 signatures, most from Summerland residents.
RELATED: Information gathered about development
Gary Tamblyn of the Lark Group has stopped at 3,000 Summerland addresses. He has received 1,210 signed letters of support, including 160 from Summerland businesses.
RELATED: Development will bring additional traffic
He has also received 270 letters of support without signatures and online support from 46 people.
Of the addresses he visited, 163 were opposed, 523 were neutral and 746 were not at home.
RELATED: Concerns about water restated
The decision on whether to approve the development is in the hands of the seven members of Summerland’s municipal council.
RELATED: Development details change
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