Developers over citizen concerns

DEAR EDITOR:

It would seem that city council is listening to the residents of Penticton in reference to the fivestorey building that was proposed for Front Street.

On June 15, city council rejected that proposal in a 5-1 vote with Coun. Julius Bloomfield being the lone dissenting vote.

The Official Community Plan is very clear on the three-storey limit that citizens voted on and accepted. Why then did Council previously pass the motion to allow a fivestorey development at 605 Main Street?

All one has to do is look at who made the motion — Bloomfield.

Our mayor, John Vassilaki, recused himself as he owns property in the vicinity. The motion only passed by a 3-2 vote. Remember, at this time, all of council was not present.

Bloomfield is a real estate agent. In my opinion, it’s becoming very clear where his interests are. Bloomfield appears to be in favour of the real estate market and not the citizens who elected him to council.

Bloomfield states, “This policy of no more than three storeys on Front Street and Main Street is doing the exact opposite of what everybody wants us to do,” (Western Advertiser, June 23). This is not correct.

Yes, we want a vibrant downtown, but we also want our beautiful city to remain unique and not a high-rise concrete jungle. If variances on three-storey limits are allowed, then where does it stop — seven, 10, highrises? Want another Kelowna?

Bravo to the rest of city council for understanding what Penticton wants.

Ken Wagar Penticton