Rooms with a view worth preserving

I write regarding the rezoning application for 66-68 Queen’s Rd. in St. Johns, the Parish Lane residences proposal

At a public meeting held on Nov. 27th, the board of directors of The Rooms Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador asked St. John’s city council not to approve the rezoning application for 66-68 Queen’s Rd.

We offered our comments based on our review of the most recent version of the Land Use Assessment Report by the proponent. Based on the illustrations provided, it is our assessment that the development as proposed will have a permanent and highly adverse impact on The Rooms’ iconic view of the city of St. John’s, a view that is becoming known around the world.

Testimonials from our visitors — provincial, national and international — indicate that the panoramic view of the cityscape and harbour is a highlight of their visit to The Rooms. This magnificent view figures large in our visitors’ memories, comments and photos. The view from The Rooms is regularly the subject of enthusiastic social media posts, inviting visitors from afar to come and share this experience, similar to comments we receive about our permanent exhibitions and education and public programs.

As the custodians of this view, we feel obligated to oppose the change in zoning. A change in zoning would permit this view to be significantly altered — either by the current proposal or by future proposals which may be contemplated.

We offer these comments in the firm belief that the many visitors, repeat or new, will share our disappointment should the view from The Rooms be altered so significantly.

Margaret E. Allan, chair Board of directors The Rooms Corp. of Newfoundland and Labrador