With time not on their side, Nelson residents concerned about proposed variances for the lakeside development Nelson Landing were out to inform the public on Saturday.
Residents are not opposed to the development per se but are worried about several “significant” variances now being sought by the developer.
Those living in the area were advised of the variances this week and City Council will be making a decision on the matter Monday night. Developers are requesting permission to reduce the width of the waterfront pathway, reduce the width of the roadway and be exempt from the sidewalk requirement.
Along with Lesley Clint and Marilyn Rhodes, Nicole Rhodes was on the waterfront handing out leaflets to people. She said she isn’t sure how many folks actually know about the developer’s application. While visiting the neighbourhood where her mother lives, she often sees people walking, biking and enjoying the waterfront area with their pets and children. She doesn’t want to see pedestrian activity curbed by development.
“We see people using this area all the time and loving this space,” said Rhodes. “We completely understand that it’s going to be developed but we were very concerned when we received a package from the city indicating this large number or variances being sought in a short time frame.”
Judy Banfield also lives nearby. She sees “no justification” for any of the alterations to what once looked like a good plan, she said.
“Variances make sense when a development will enhance the community and meet the city’s needs,” she said in a letter sent to the City of Nelson urging them to turn down the request. “This development should have all the requirements that other developers in the area have had to adhere to, to ensure green space, liveability, genuine public access (not a skinny little trail), and basically a quality, environmentally and design appropriate development.”
“The variance requests, if granted, will turn this area into an ugly, concrete, car-covered mess,” Banfield concluded.
Rhodes said concerned citizens will be in attendance at Monday’s regular council meeting.