Editor:
We thank Coast Reporter for their interest in following the proceedings of the Browns' rezoning application in Halfmoon Bay, but we wish to clarify some key points surrounding this rezoning issue for those not at the June 13 public hearing.
This application potentially provides a new smaller subdivision category which would enable further real estate development of lots between 1.6 and two hectares and creates a precedent where an official community plan amendment is granted despite no community benefits and definite local community opposition. It is not simply a "one-off."
Even the relevance of the letter tally is questionable. The majority of cited supportive letters fails to either discuss the OCP subdivision amendment request or rezoning implications for the community at large. At least 25 of these letters of support are from individuals with no known address or are from far outside the area (e.g. North Vancouver, Courtenay, Nanaimo). Why should the opinions of distant and perhaps not completely informed individuals be considered alongside those of the immediately affected neighbours? How could this correspondence be thought relevant for any public hearing?
Many immediate neighbours of the property under consideration object to this contentious application for rezoning and subdivision because it does not respect Halfmoon Bay's OCP and proposes alteration without any resultant community benefit. Numbers of letters are not the real issue when rezoning principles and precedent are at stake. After all, whether an OCP is 20 days old or 20 years old, it defines the principles of growth and development for a community. If an exemption is made, it should be approved on its merits and benefits to the community at large. We are still waiting to learn what these are.
Sylvia Fockler, Louise Bradford and Trisha Beaty
Halfmoon Bay
