No chance to win

Re: “Historic districts are built one building at a time,” Irena Karshenbaum, Opinion, Nov. 14.

I was not surprised that the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board approved the demolition of the former Shaarey Tzedec Synagogue to make room for a condominium project. This decision is a tragic mistake.

First, the destruction of this iconic historical synagogue will be an irreversible loss, not only to the cultural and religious heritage of Calgary’s Jewish community, but to every citizen of Calgary. Second, because Irena Karshenbaum (a passionate, articulate and eminently qualified member of the Jewish community) was not allowed to present her forceful arguments to preserve the building.

Why? Because the SDAB has the sole right to decide who gets to speak. Karsh- enbaum wasn’t allowed to speak because she doesn’t live close enough to the condominium to be “affected” by it. The demolition of the synagogue was irrelevant!

I told Karshenbaum she would never win, but I felt certain she would get to speak before the verdict was rendered. Even this basic right was denied.

The SDAB turned the biblical story of David and Goliath upside down. This time God (SDAB) let Goliath win without a shot being fired. Shame on the SDAB.

Forbes Newman, Calgary