Dear editor,
Re: Newspaper article in the Comox Valley Record newspaper (Feb. 6).
The above-mentioned article caught our eye … “Courtenay council approved an application for a 32-unit strata on Dingwall Road, where a zoning bylaw was amended in 2012 to allow multi-residential development.” “The proposal consists of two apartment buildings, each containing 12 units and four duplexes.”
This is Mayor Larry Jangula's neighbourhood, this directly impacts him, and we completely understand why he voted “no” against the application even though the rest of City council members voted “yes.”
He must have felt ignored and not heard.
He is quoted in the newspaper article stating, “The neighbours have legitimate concerns.” We completely understand his concerns about traffic, noise, and property values.
Mr. Jangula, you were on City council when the property behind our neighbourhood was rezoned from Residential to Commercial and you voted “yes.” Then a building permit was presented to build a massive warehouse store behind our neighbourhood and you voted “yes.”
The vote was “yes” even though our entire neighbourhood raised legitimate concerns.
Fortunately for you and your neighbours, once the construction noise is over, your neighbourhood won’t be woken up every morning by noise from semi-trucks, backup beepers and honking horns. You won't have to endure noise of shipments being unloaded, or hear the drone of an HVAC system 24 hours per day/seven days per week, like in our neighbourhood.
Here are some tips for you and your neighbours:
1. Contact the City planners to discuss your concerns and they will work tirelessly to ensure your concerns are met with the developer regarding sound attenuation.
2. Ask to be involved. The planning department and City council will keep your entire neighbourhood completely informed every step of the way with open and honest dialogue, and with complete transparency, no “best-kept secret” or “myths, untruths, and misinformation.”
3. If there is a public forum, it will provide an opportunity to speak and feel truly listened to.
4. There is no construction permitted on Sundays unless the building contractor has a permit to work on Sundays.
5. There is no noise permitted before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m., the noise bylaw will protect you and your neighbours so your peace, quiet and enjoyment in your home is not destroyed.
6. Be polite in all your communication so nobody accuses you of “aggression and hatred.”
Shelly Lesperance-Farndon,
Doug Farndon,
Courtenay
Editor's note: The Farndons' home is on Elderberry Crescent. They were living there when Costco was built nearby.