Link to letter on the Times Colonist website
Another hearing for revised James Bay plan
Victoria city council’s decision to refer the James Bay tower proposal back to staff to work with the developer for revision is welcomed, but I am concerned that the revised proposal will go directly back to council without further consultation with the community.
If the revision is significant, as it must be to square the issues of density and proposed tower height, there needs to be further consultation with the community and a public committee of the whole hearing before final council consideration.
Comments by some councillors that suggest no reduction in density is needed while reducing tower height make little sense. I think the proposal minimally needs to be reimagined to include a tower that better fits with the neighbourhood.
This would suggest something about nine to 11 storeys. Consideration also should be given to re-thinking the podium to use for two-level townhouses rather than commercial purposes (we do not need yet another coffee shop) and pre-school.
Better yet, something more like the wonderful Capital Park development on Michigan Street would be welcomed and fit well into the neighbourhood.
—Chris Lovelace, Victoria