Council heard debate on zoning respectfully

Re: “Residents accept change; not this one,” letter, March 2.

I attended that public hearing for the proposed rental property development on Burdett Avenue. I spoke in favour of the project.

In my opinion, it would have introduced important and appropriate rental homes in the area for people wanting to live and contribute to the community where they work. My employees are a good example, some of whom are students seeking decent places to live where they can walk or ride to work and to school.

Victoria desperately needs more rentals for young and old to live in a neighbourhood together. Healthy connections with others are essential to well-being.

While I was saddened by the decision that night, I left feeling disturbed by the obvious disconnect in the room. Council had to make a difficult decision. While the decision did not go the way I had hoped, I thought everyone’s views were represented and considered by mayor and council in a respectful and even-handed way.

I was amazed at the restraint council and the mayor showed, as it seemed that many who were against the development spoke negatively and even seemed to attack them. In this light, I found this writer’s careless comments falsely attributed to the mayor irresponsible.

The mayor didn’t say that the residents “can’t handle change,” rather she acknowledged how difficult change is. Change that builds a sustainable community where there is a range of housing options is a very good thing — difficult, perhaps, but the right thing to do.

Nick Walker Victoria