Dear editor,
I’m so disappointed in the outcome of the public hearing into the new building on the site of the former Lorne Hotel, but not really surprised.
The citizens of this community were very clear about the changes they wished to see made, but the developer chose to apply some minor cosmetic changes rather than to open his mind to other possibilities. As disappointed as I am by this, it really isn’t the developer’s responsibility to please the citizens. As long as he follows the code set out by the town council, he can build whatever he pleases.
No, the issue is that there is no vision for this community and no framework to bring this vision to the developers.
Derek Constantino put forth that developers will not build in Comox if they have restrictions on what they can build, but is this what we are really asking for?
Can we not work together as citizens with the very creative profession of architecture to encourage developers to find a vision for this community? Would they not benefit from public support? Would the community not benefit from development? Why must this be a fight instead of mutual support?
This development will go ahead (council voted 4-2 in favour of it May 20), but we need to find the will to make sure that we, as citizens, find a way to put pressure on the council to address our concerns. The only way to create change is to be vocal, so please, please, take the time to get involved. It only takes a few minutes to send an email or to make a phone call.
Corinne Bainard
Comox