Election can’t come fast enough
Dear editor: This is further to and in support of a recent letter to the editor commenting on the seemingly never-ending construction work for the twin rental apartment towers on Kinney Avenue.
This project was approved by City of Penticton council in 2016, immediately following a public forum organized by the city which was well attended by more than 100 people from the neighborhood, most of whom voiced their opinions as to the inadvisability of building a large apartment complex in that specific location.
This forum was also attended by local media. In fact, only one person spoke in favour of the project and identified as a representative of Cherry Lane Shopping Centre – likely a "vested interest" to obtain more public traffic?
Moreover, yet another amendment to the Official Community Plan was required to support the re-zoning application from the developer. It should be noted that council voted to approve the re-zoning application with no apparent further discussion almost as soon as the forum was over. Surely this could not have been another foregone conclusion by council once "lip service" was paid to the public? A few observations: The parcel of land being built on is immediately adjacent to Parkway Elementary school and offers nothing positive for the school or its students. To the contrary, more traffic congestion and safety issues and almost certainly lots of extra on-street parking on Kinney for visitors to the development and second vehicles of the tenants; it is also sandwiched adjacent to an existing large residential development of 250-plus units.
It was known earlier as the "Atkinson" property and Mr. Atkinson Sr. had clearly indicated it was his wish to designate the property for public parkland when appropriate – yet another example of the current council’s disdain for land for recreational use.
Construction has been ongoing for more than seven months and will likely continue for approximately another five months. Thanks to Penticton's extremely liberal approach to construction bylaws – although apparently nothing related to noise – work and heavy equipment movement starts evert day at 7a.m. and is permitted to continue until 10 p.m, including weekends and stat holidays. I cordially invite council to attend my residence to enjoy the performance.
Mayor and councillors: run again for election at your risk. Brian Remus Penticton