Editor:
Re: Public asked for input on Marine Driver property, Jan. 26.
I would like to comment on the open house which took place on Monday, Jan. 31.
The purpose was to get feedback from residents on the proposed building development for the muffler shop site on Marine Drive and Oxford Street in White Rock.
First I would like to commend architect Tim Ankenman for including residents in the early stages of the this project development. Having said this, however, I found the building proposals disturbing and the process leaving me with many questions.
The building proposals for the site ranged from four to 15 storeys.
Four stories would be higher than the existing townhomes facing and at the back of Marine Drive. A 12-storey structure would essentially be a highrise at the beach!
Would this be in keeping with the present height restrictions? Is this respectful of the tolerance of residents concerning view obstruction or in keeping with the history and ambiance of White Rock?
I assumed, perhaps wrongly, that White Rock is more of a seaside, artsy village, as opposed to an urban centre on the water.
Also, the higher the building, the greater the population density with the implications of radically increased traffic and parking issues – all this on a corner that is already taxed a number of months during the year.
Good development does not have to be high density. An example is the well-built lowrise townhomes on the Dundarave waterfront in West Vancouver.
The beach belongs to everyone. This development impacts not only local residents but the community at large. What do people want White Rock to become?
Being new to the area, there may well be a community plan in place which I’m unaware of. But it was a surprise to me that a developer could even propose a 15-storey building on this site. Could a developer make a similar proposal on any location in White Rock?
If there’s a community plan in place, would you kindly print it in the Peace Arch News again in light of these recent developments?
If there’s no community plan in place I would hope that one can be developed with the community in dialogue with city hall, the mayor and council prior to serious development taking place.
Rose Marie De Paoli, White Rock
Editor’s note: The land is currently zoned for three storeys (11.3 metres). The Official Community Plan is online at www.city.whiterock.bc.ca