Editor:
Reality check – something is going to develop on Oxford Street, so let’s engage in a positive direction to drive it on our terms.
The developers want to create two 24- and 21-storey highrise buildings. Say ‘no’ to that and say ‘yes’ to four-six storeys only.
The owner has the right to make whatever proposal he wants, and council can either approve the proposal or not. Thus it is up to the community and citizens of White Rock to state their piece.
The property will be developed; how high it will be is totally up to what we are willing to accept.
It is best to negotiate something that we will approve – such as a low-rise – as opposed to saying ‘no’ to it all. Focus on the reality and send a strong message to the mayor and council to listen to our thoughts, rationale and reasonable stance on middle ground with regards to this particular location.
I believe our elected officials will respect the democratic process and support the majority. Now it’s up to us to get our voices heard so it is very clear what the majority wants.
Building a strong Johnston Road town centre for a sustainable city in terms of density, increasing the tax base and strengthening and supporting local business is smart growth, but not in the Oxford Street residential area. Keep the highrises where they belong!
With limited land mass in White Rock, we can only build up, not out – but let’s do it in a controlled way that is complementary and respectful to the neighbouring communities.
Residential single-family homes are nearby and Evergreen Baptist Care Centre that backs onto this property will be an eight-storey building. The Royce condo complex, that is in the front left of the building, is a low-rise at four to five storeys – so let’s meet in the middle allowing two buildings, maximum six stories high, period.
Write, email or talk to our local White Rock government officials. Speak out now before it’s too late to turn back time!
Irma Bijdemast, White Rock