Editor:
Late-councillor Mary-Wade Anderson was missed last week, as White Rock council defeated two quality developments by 3-3 votes, in spite of their being in compliance with the city’s rules and guidelines.
One would have finally provided condos on three empty East Beach lots in our struggling commercial area. The other would have provided more affordable homes across from the hospital, next to a substation, not an easy area to develop. Both would have provided a bigger tax base.
I am all for scrutiny and careful consideration of each proposed development, but it’s only fair to play by the rules.
The defeat on Monday creates huge uncertainty for any developer who wishes to invest in White Rock. These projects had gone through land use and planning committee, first and second readings and a public hearing, only to be defeated at third reading.
I am all for careful scrutiny of proposed development, but to defeat a project at third and final reading – in the face of little public opposition and OCP compliance – does nothing for business in White Rock.
How can we expect business to come to White Rock with such uncertainty?
Tie votes serve no one, certainly not the taxpayers of White Rock.
Lynne Sinclair, White Rock