Have mercy on those who live in shadow of massive towers

Re: “Halifax seeks feedback on 23-storey tower proposed for Robie Street” (Jan. 11 story).

I chose to move to the Cunard/ Welsford area of Halifax and close to the Common because the street on which I live has a strong sense of community. Here, 12 young children thrive because they share the light, air sunshine and night sky that forms our ideal environment.

Here, for now, we enjoy what is left of the Commons and put up with some shadows and too much wind caused by high-rises. Vegetable gardens supplement our health. Natural light and clotheslines reduce our energy and pollution.

Community, daylight, sunlight, natural nightlight, a sense of space all add to our collective health and wellbeing. Surely we current residents need the respect and right to remain healthy?

I am shocked that HRM would consider imposing more ugly highrises, shutting out these treasures. My neighbours have many concerns. But foremost, they are tired. They are tired of the impact of COVID-19, present and future; tired because of winter.

Most of all, they are tired of fighting for the right to live without the continuing badgering of developers who have the guaranteed support of city hall, imposing ever-more-unnecessary high rises on this beautiful city. They have fought in the past and have lost. They are concerned that the proposed WSP 23-storey high-rise case 22927 is being considered with the support of our city councillor. They have no energy left to fight another losing battle.

Mayor, council and planners, do you live in such neighbourhoods where your way of life is under the ongoing threat of the imposition of more high-rises? Would you agree to having your neighbourhood be so negatively impacted? Do you relate to these impacts as if it were on your lives when you make such important discretionary decisions? Do you imagine how you would react to a third high-rise (23-storeys) on a single block next to your home?

We are a growing city and we need more affordable, family and social housing. Why not consider the neighbourhoods’ individual character and choose new housing forms that fit this? The low-rise structures on Gottingen Street, in Fairview, and Quinpool give these areas identity.

We are being encouraged to use private vehicles less, and bicycles and public transportation more. With fewer cars on the roads, why not consider moving big car dealerships’ sales lots and use these large spaces to develop more affordable, sensitively designed low-rise homes? Give developers and architects the challenge to meet such requirements. Density doesn’t need to be in high-rises. Communities should not be sacrificed.

Coun. Lindell Smith’s newsletter of April 2019 asks: “How can we help?” The answer: Please cancel the proposed WSP 23-storey high-rise case 22927 and consider citizens in your decisions, not just developers. Patricia Betts lives in Halifax