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LETTER: Proposed North Delta highrise not right for community

Proposal “is not just a small variance from the approved area plan, but a significant departure.”
Black Press Media
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A model at the first public information session about the proposed Scott Road highrise featured a 35-storey residential building, commercial space and townhouse units, with an underground parking area. The updated application includes an access lane to Scott Road, as well as 119A Street. (Grace Kennedy photo) A model at the first public information session about the proposed Scott Road highrise featured a 35-storey residential building, commercial space and townhouse units, with an underground parking area. The updated application includes an access lane to Scott Road, as well as 119A Street. (Grace Kennedy photo)

Dear Mayor and council,

I attended the second public information session on Nov. 29 where “updates” to the proposal for the new 35-storey highrise were presented.

While I will complete the feedback form and return it to the planner, I felt compelled to share my immediate feedback with all of you as our elected representatives.

I live on Gilmour Crescent and have been very open in my opposition to this specific proposal. I am a reasonable individual and was looking for the second information session to show all of us that Delta and the developer are listening to the community.

Summing up the session yesterday is easy: it was a large waste of our tax dollars and our time. Throughout this process, Delta staff have been clear that the outcome has not been pre-determined, [but] the message heard last night in many side conversations is that this project is already a “done deal.”

SEE ALSO: North Delta highrise application updated ahead of second round of consultation

I feel betrayed (by Delta) and insulted (by the developer) at the same time. Along with a second entrance/exit, the project proposes providing Delta with a stretch of new sidewalk and a daycare (with all the costs and liabilities, I’m sure).

Have we fallen so far as a community that this is what it takes to move a contentious project forward? This tower proposal is a tipping point for North Delta that will shape our neighbourhoods and community for decades to come.

Significant effort and dollars went into the development of the North Delta Area Plan. At the end of the process, it was felt that the final compromise by all involved was a good vision for the community. What has changed?

This tower proposal is not just a small variance from the approved area plan, but a significant departure.

I know that [opposition to] this proposal is growing significantly and wonder why council remains silent. Is that part of the process?

If it is, it’s time for this council to show leadership, stop this project and ensure that future developments more closely represent the plan that all North Deltans see as the future of this community.

Dave Dube, North Delta