A local developer whose property is up for rezoning says the company is “very concerned” that there appears to be bias within the District of Squamish against them.
The district plans to rezone North Crumpit area in Valleycliffe from RS-1 zoning that allows single family to RM-5 that allows apartments and commercial development.
Amy Fast, the president of Diamond Head Land Company (DHLC), says the rezoning would remove single-family use from the property, while single-family use has been granted to other developers.
The district, she says, is also rezoning another land parcel the company recently acquired from RS-1 future residential neighbourhood to RE, which is resource zoning.
“The bordering parcel has the same zoning, and it is not being rezoned. Why is DHLC being singled out?” Fast has asked in a letter she wrote to the council.
“DHLC views our relationship with the District of Squamish as a partnership in the development process for this property. DHLC’s position is that it is imperative that both parties work together to ensure the best outcome for the District of Squamish, for the landowner, and for our community,” Fast says.
The proposed zoning amendment process has not allowed both parties to work together constructively and would not result in a comprehensive sub area plan that is good for the community, she adds.
Several local citizens and developers have also spoken about the rezoning proposals that will come up for third reading at council tomorrow.
Herbert Vesely says there is not enough information provided to make an informed decision on rezoning for Crumpit North and expresses concerned with the proposed RM-5 zoning.
Bob Fast, a Crumpit Woods resident and owner in Crumpit North, questions why all residential needs to be condos and says the company had committed to a sub area plan and that all housing types will be part of it.
Speaking on behalf of My Sea to Sky, Tracy Saxby says there are concerns around the process and lack of public notice. She also requestes that in the future a public information session be held ahead of a public hearing.
Isaac Beall, who speaks on behalf of Anthem Properties which owns land on Discovery Way, says they are deeply concerned with the rezoning of the property, that the zoning is not workable for development and doesn’t reflect the district’s Strategic Plan.
Local developer Tyler Ovington questions the lack of community engagement or any public information meeting. He has requested the council to take more time on this matter and conduct more community involvement.
Adam Smith, Michael Hutchison, John Hawkings, Warren McDougal, Matt Fraser, Chessy Knight, Cheryl Weeks are some other locals who have raised concerns about the rezoning proposals.
David Lassmann says
The proposed rezoning to RM-5 is consistent with the district’s policy of promoting higher density and more affordable housing. Allowing business space also enables residents to possibly work and shop closer to home, reducing the need for automobile traffic. The rezoning back to RE is a puzzle. I would like to hear the rationale behind that one.
Don Patrick says
Thw Distric has enough low cost housing … Firstly what is the purpose to increase density, we as a government have failed to date in creating a community that pays for its usage … if the plan is to satisfy the problems of universal housing then state that objective… there are still able people that would like to life in a self contained single family dwelling on a fee simple lot… the density idea was bad from the start…. yes it decreases the cost, but there are still successful people that are seeking that type of living. Lets not give in to the everyone should have a place to live…. getting tired of the bleeding heart syndrome so some can make a quick buck and leave the future expenses to the community.