Link to letter on the Times Colonist website
Another vote against the James Bay tower
Re: “Proposed 17-storey James Bay tower deemed too high, sent back for redesign,” July 29.
This proposal was seeking to significantly increase existing zoning bylaws, density by five times, height by seven times, and virtually eliminate setbacks. It also exceeded the Official Community Plan (OCP) requirements.
I concur with previous letter writers: no to monster towers in James Bay; when city councillors ignore the planners, it’s at our peril; I’m concerned too about relying only on city council to review the revised proposal; there needs to be community consultation and another hearing for this revised plan; this is an opportunity for a development that enhances the space architecturally and environmentally.
The city staff report noted, “the height and density do not meet the objective and policies of the OCP and would be inappropriate in the current and future context.”
Well said! Some city councillors have been clear the proposal is simply too much. Agreed. James Bay is already dense. Agreed.
It is not clear what council wants in the revised proposal. If the existing zoning bylaws and OCP are not guiding this revised proposal, and the subsequent council decision, what criteria are being used? There needs to be clarity and transparency.
My heartfelt thanks to all the people who attended numerous meetings, wrote letters and signed a petition to strongly oppose this proposal.
Let’s continue to positively influence the next stage of this development and preserve our wonderful historical, residential, seaside community!
—Debbie Andersen, Victoria