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Red Sands advocates choose

Re: “Nelson Landing developer presents options,” January 26

Re: “Nelson Landing developer presents options,” January 26

Support proposal B — It’s our only choice!

As a spokesperson for “Save Red Sands — Keep it Natural!” I wish to let the public know our position on the three options for Red Sands Beach that David Sorensen gave to Nelson city council.

We expect city staff will make a formal recommendation at the Monday, February 14 council meeting, and it is possible that the Nelson city council will support one of the three options.

So, here is our position on the three options from David Sorensen:

1. We are adamantly opposed to proposals A and C! We want areas J and K to remain zoned as P2-park and open space. We do not want residential units built in our park land.

2. We support proposal B. It’s our only choice!

Why do we support proposal B?

a) Proposal B keeps our park land, in areas J and K, zoned as P2-park and open space. That is terrific! We need to preserve our park land. It’s not a place to build residential units.

b) Proposal B means that the City of Nelson would own areas J and K, which is the area beyond the Crown land to the eastern city limits, which is just beyond Red Sands Beach. That would be a great thing! A private developer should not own land zoned as P2-park and open space. Developers want to develop. This one is a no-brainer. If David Sorensen is offering to “give” this park land area to the City, we can’t refuse. It’s a wonderful park area.

c) The pathway will go along the path in Area J and through Red Sands forest (Area K) to the beach. This is a fantastic walk. It’s one of those special things about Nelson. There is no need to ruin the waterfront in Areas J and K with an expensive walkway when we already have a beautiful path through Red Sands forest.

We do have one concern. Proposal B does show eight parking spots. We would not want to see the parking spots damage the Red Sands forest. In the future, we believe the City of Nelson will have more time to look at the parking issue in more detail. If that parking is necessary, we know there are less costly and much more suitable places for eight parking spots.

Let me say that this decision is an important decision for our beloved city.

If Nelson city council intends to make a decision to support one of the three options for Red Sands Beach, there is only one choice. Support proposal B.

It’s important to note that our support is for proposal B in areas J and K. The Nelson Landing Development Corporation rezoning application and development plans cover seven areas. Our support for proposal B is in areas J and K and it does not mean that we support or reject the proposals in the other five areas of E-H. We have always asked for a fair, transparent, democratic and inclusive public process regarding areas E-H.

Herb Couch

Nelson