There was a time when I thought laneway housing might be a good idea. However, given the changes I see in Nelson in the last several years including an increase in population and the repercussions of that I can no longer agree it is a good idea.
It is just another way of gentrifying Nelson and making it unaccessible to long-time residents and the less wealthy who are moving out to make way for wealthy people looking to capitalize on Nelson and what it has to offer.
Laneway does not address the need for affordable housing. It will simply allow those with greater wealth to increase their wealth while creating housing for those who can afford high rents.
We are living in a limited geographical area and while I know there are those who can’t wait to crawl up the mountains thankfully we are not there yet. It is a tight squeeze here and that is evidenced by lack of parking, which with laneway housing will now be created in the residential neighbourhoods as there will be higher density.
I understand that more population is good for business owners and city council but I do not see how it benefits the average citizen. My property taxes are still huge and I do not see any improvements to roads etc. that work for me.
I see wasted tax dollars in “shores to stores” and a terrible public bathroom downtown. Nelson is pandering to tourists and business owners and regular citizens are left dealing with the fallout of increased population constantly encouraged by this city council.
That fallout being lack of community services and health and hospital services as well as overburdened police and lack of housing and mental health services. Not to mention the insane traffic that is now a reality in Nelson.
We need to be slowing down, not amping up! I know many people feel this way and I hope they will speak up and be listened to!
Dwyn Roberts
Nelson