Dear Editor:
As a resident of Summerland for most of my life, and owning businesses on Main Street for years, I agree with many of the points made by Rob Murphy (no relation) in last Thursday’s Review.
I believe that Rob’s article was referring to Hunters Hill, and thought I would share some of our experience.
As a Summerland based development company, Hunters Hill has sought community input, listened to the opinions of residents, and obtained expert guidance from professionals. It has taken time to get it right.
The zoning of the parcel, as well as regulatory conditions imposed by the classification of the parcel, were time consuming and in some instances, unique to the property.
Since the Hunters Hill Neighbourhood Plan was adopted into Summerland’s Official Community Plan, Mayor Peter Waterman and Council have made three key decisions regarding Hunters Hill.
1. Unanimous approval for Cluster Development Zoning (decreased development footprint by half).
2. Unanimous approval for inclusion into Summerland’s Sewer Service Area (better environmental protections)
3. Unanimous approval for ESDPA Development Permit (over 80 acres of Park Preservation).
Each of these were very important steps requiring thorough research before going to Council. This included extensive studies and engineering reports such as geotechnical, slope analysis, environmental protections, wildfire mitigation reports, and so on.
The district has worked with us every step, ensuring that Summerland’s interests are protected, and the work of district staff has been diligent and professional.
As a result, we believe that Hunters Hill will be a project that Summerland residents can be extremely proud of.
And it is also our firm belief that Hunters Hill will help achieve the goal of making Summerland a vibrant, energetic community!
Patrick Murphy
Hunters Hill Development
Summerland
