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Hillside residents express views

Editor: Re: West Beach residents seek bylaw change, March 28.
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Susan Potzold speaks against a zoning designation that residents say would allow higher buildings in West Beach.

Editor:

Re: West Beach residents seek bylaw change, March 28.

We moved to our townhome on Victoria Avenue four years ago to enjoy an ocean view, and we are upset and appalled by the proposed CR-3 zoning, which would allow developers to exceed the current height restriction.

This would allow new buildings in the West Beach business area to be much taller and with greater density.

This proposed change will have ramifications for years to come, as the increase in traffic on Victoria Avenue and Marine Drive – which is already snarled on weekends – will become even worse. Why would the city allow more density in an area that is already jam-packed?

Floyd & Lynne Stanley, White Rock

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As a new owner of a townhouse with an ocean view, I thought we were investing our money well in White Rock.

However, I’m shocked at the actions of council members and worry there will be no return on our investment.

The city is in the midst of adopting new zoning bylaws, which they claim to be minor changes and mostly housekeeping. While this is true to some degree, it certainly is not for the new CR-3 zone that is to cover the West Beach business area. This is a very specific area with a “village-type” feel. The changes being introduced will have ramifications for years to come.

Why would the City of White Rock want to increase the density in this area and build taller buildings to block views? What benefit would this achieve?

On St. Patrick’s Day, the Easter long weekend and any given sunny day for that matter, Victoria Avenue traffic is backed all the way up the hill. How can we possibly afford any more congestion in the beachfront area and still make it an attractive area to live and play?

I’m not opposed to development, but I strongly feel the three-storey maximum should be upheld.

Christine Rock & Bud Sardone, White Rock

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City council may approve a rezoning bylaw that would permit a developer to build along the beachfront at a considerably increased height from what is now allowed.

It seems no one is concerned about what the residents of White Rock want and, if this is approved by council, it will set a precedent for other developers to again ask for rezoning to build even more high-level concrete boxes along the beach on Marine Drive. Developers should not be deciding this for our residents.

Do residents want a beachfront of higher-level glass and concrete boxes? People come here to get away from just that and explore many small unique shops.

Residents who live behind these buildings will suffer devastating financial losses in their property values, only to line the pockets of off-shore developers.

Beverley Cunningham, White Rock