Dear editor,
The entrance to Comox could change forever this Wednesday.
That is when Comox Town council will hold a meeting to consider rezoning the corner of Comox Avenue and Glacier View Drive (which becomes Back Road).
1. The proposal is to change the zoning from R1.1 Single-Family to Comprehensive Development 16 (CD16). The problem is, there is no description of what CD16 zoning is on the Public Notice or on the Town of Comox website. It is known that the proposal is to build a seven-unit multi-family development on the corner lot.
Why is CD16 not listed by the Town when other zoning types are? Do the councillors know what CD16 is? How can the council vote on a change of zoning to CD16 when it is not public knowledge what this is?
2. According to the Public Hearing Notice, this is an area known for bald eagle and great blue heron nesting sites/perching trees.
3. How many trees, if any, would survive development? The marketing consultant who spoke for the developer at a town meeting could make no guarantee.
4. Would this be the first step to rezoning and redeveloping the whole area along this part of Comox Avenue and along Glacier View Drive?
5. Could high concrete barrier walls ultimately be built along Comox Avenue to block the noise from the high volume of traffic on the hill? Along with the loss of trees, this would diminish the appeal of the town entrance to residents and tourists.
6. There was only one week of notice for the public hearing from its publication in the community newspapers. The notice was in such small, light type that many people, especially the elderly, would have difficulty reading it. This short notice gives the public little time to understand the implications to their community of this development.
If you would like to comment on this rezoning proposal, you need to send your written submission by fax to 250-339-7110, or by e-mail to council@comox.ca, or hand deliver it to 1809 Beaufort Ave. in Comox before 4 p.m. on Nov. 21.
To be accepted, it must (1) be addressed to mayor and council; (2) state in the subject line of the fax, e-mail or letter: Submission regarding bylaws 1734, 1735 and 1736; (3) include your name and address; and (4) state your concern.
You can also attend the public hearing Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at d’Esterre House, 1801 Beaufort Ave. (near the Town hall).
You can see the public notice by going to www.comox.ca and in the Search Field type in Bylaw 1734.
Marilyn Machum,
Comox