Dear editor,
Recently our Valley community was branded “Nomox” with something called “NIMBYism” in vogue. Not only outrageous but a false accusation that homeowners are making life miserable for everyone looking to build rental housing. On the contrary. Since when is development of any kind not positive for the Valley communities?
However, any kind does not give a free pass to developers and builders to meet their clients’ needs at any cost to those making their home here and raising families.
So let’s be clear in rebuttal, there is not a grassroots movement denying new rental accommodation on any vacant land. The Murrelet Aspen land, for example, has been crying out for homes far too long such as condos, whether rental or otherwise.
But, the fact remains those making a home there will now share the same congested road infrastructure as those in the neighbourhood today. Once residents, they will equally become frustrated to find the significant increase in traffic cannot be supported by existing roads, stop-sign intersections, traffic lights, speed limits, and river bridge congestion. Their children biking and walking to school via limited pedestrian crossings facing dramatic vehicular traffic presents clear and present danger.
Frankly speaking, a sad indictment of developers sacrificing public safety creating traffic chaos by their plans to provide as many homes they can squeeze onto a piece of land. Perhaps chasing the almighty dollar has more to do with the height and size of their properties rather than what is best for the community overall.
When the time comes, hopefully our elected officials will do what they were elected for to make good, sensible decisions of benefit to all who live and raise their families here. Surely “as is” approval of developments is inconceivable given the traffic chaos and danger to public safety to follow.
Nothing wrong or sinister with municipal pushback, which helps everyone, both renters and homeowners, make the Comox Valley their home.
John Peglau
Comox