Dear Editor.
The revitalization of the lower Cove has long been advocated, and in 2011 James Tuer was commissioned to draw up planning schemata. His comprehensive and extensive designs were provided to the public with selection options: A, B, C, and D to be considered. Further consideration was given with encouragement to the public to interchange features according to individual preferences in responding, as was requested.
The “Snug Cove Village and Transportation Concepts – Analysis of Public Input,” was prepared and submitted to BIM on September 27, 2011. It has been ignored by the present council and instead islanders are invited to attend a Public Open House on Community Lands Rezoning (Lot 2). The Tuer plans, by contrast, were created in accordance with current zoning and OCP anticipated density requirements.
Suddenly, we are required to simply ignore revitalizing the lower Cove in bending to the will of those advocating for a development proposal entitled, “The Community Campus.” This proposal requires OCP amendments to rezone from, “Rural, Institutional,” to “Rural, Institutional, Commercial,” and for increased density, not in the lower Cove as long expected, but on our community-owned land for the desired development by a few.
In addition, another long awaited development, the Civic Centre, cannot go forward, as originally promised, unless the entire Community Campus plan is adopted. At least, in reading the Temporary Advisory Committee’s recommendations, that’s what appears to be the case.
Of further concern is that of the competition to our struggling existing commercial enterprises in the lower Cove, as well as those in Cates Mall, and Artisan Square. Why would we want to further jeopardize the economic stability of those establishments? Do we really need commercial sprawl to compromise the charm and beauty of our inviting picturesque Bowen island appearance?
Respectfully, Edna Thomson
