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'Monstrous thing' already being built elsewhere in Courtenay

Dear editor, Re: “Monstrous thing” too much density for Dingwall. Coun. Larry Jangula’s comments in the above article from last Wednesday’s paper came as a huge slap in the face to my wife and I, to say the least.

Dear editor,Re: “Monstrous thing” too much density for Dingwall.Coun. Larry Jangula’s comments in the above article from last Wednesday’s paper came as a huge slap in the face to my wife and I, to say the least.When we learned of a rezoning application and OCP amendment for a massive Costco warehouse to be built behind our home, we had exactly the same concerns as the Dingwall residents.We canvassed the area with a petition, and submitted over 200 signatures (yes, that’s a few more than six). We, along with many neighbours, wrote numerous letters and e-mails to the city and both local papers. We spoke at the public forum, where even our 12-year-old daughter made a heartfelt speech.We even invited Mr. Jangula and other councillors to view the property in question from our homes. Most declined, instead referring to a Google map so outdated that many of our homes still appeared as vacant land.Mr. Jangula’s indifference was overwhelming. So was the mayor’s. Only Couns. Hillian and Leonard truly acknowledged our concerns, and voted against the rezoning application, albeit in vain.The Costco development was approved with blistering speed, and we now live in the shadow of the largest commercial building in the Comox Valley. The construction noise that rattles our dishes and windows each day will end, but only as the 24-hour noise of the business begins.We were promised a fence with magical noise-reducing properties; so far, in addition to being magical, it’s also invisible.Now, faced with a comparatively miniscule residential development in his own neighbourhood, Mr. Jangula says council should listen to the people and vote against the application! Is this the same Larry Jangula?Mr. Jangula, did we not also speak “clearly and consistently?” Do you really think this “huge disservice” to Dingwall residents is worse than what you and your fellow council members did to us? Will this condo development have semi-trucks and forklifts keeping you and your neighbours awake all night? I’m sure I speak for all my neighbours when I say we would gladly trade the “monstrous thing” proposed for your neighbourhood for the one being built in ours!To anyone buying a home, forget about the oh-so-flexible zoning bylaws and OCP. Find a home near someone on city council.Doug Farndon,Courtenay