Development must be sensitive

Re: “Young-old divide seen in Fairfield apartment bid,” Feb. 27.

I protest the idea that those of us who opposed the overly large development proposed by Empresa Properties were suffering from “change fatigue.” I have lived in this neighbourhood for more than 68 years — 48 in my current home — and have witnessed substantial change. I am not opposed to densification or redevelopment, if it is sensitive to the area and follows acceptable planning principles.

This proposal was simply too large for the site. I would be comfortable with a set of townhouses, as this block is supposed to be a transitional area between the four-storey apartments of Cook Street and the one- and twostorey residences to the east. There is already a set of townhouses on that side of the street that fit in well with the other buildings and form a successful transition.

What further disturbs me is the inference that anyone who opposes the proposal is against young people. Nothing could be further from the truth, as there were young people who signed the petition. When I moved into my home, I was one of the “young people,” and doubt that my values have changed a lot since then.

Why were the renters who were living in those houses forced to move and the power cut off? Could it be that the developer assumed his project would go ahead? Now you have three families who had to find other accommodation and these houses will sit empty. This is unacceptable.

Helen Edwards Victoria