An open letter to Mission councilors, regarding zoning changes in the Israel-Bench neighborhood:
Mission City’s planning department is working with a developer, Polygon, to rezone a rural forested area to build Mission’s largest high-density housing complex to date. The land is adjacent to the Israel-Bench neighborhood. I am worried that city councillors are poised to rezone land on Sept. 19 which will clear the way for the development to proceed.
The proposed development will add about 222 new homes to the area. The proponent will bring sewer and water to the property.
This will trigger even more rezoning to the area.
There are no schools or transit on the area. The road access is up a steep hill. This type of urban development is known to create traffic issues and diminish livability and health of neighborhoods. It is also against the guiding principles and top priorities set out in the 2018 OCP, which lists among the top priorities; increasing environmental protection, improving transportation opportunities such as walking, cycling and transit, and maintaining the small town feel of Mission.
Yes we need more compact development in Mission. It should be close to town and near transit and shopping. Infill projects in town and the empty waterfront areas are better choices for compact development.
Paul Berntsen
Mission
