To the Editor,
It seems a bit suspicious that Skydev would try to push its proposal past Council, and planners, while we are in the midst of a pandemic, when true public meetings are not possible. This proposal is highly contentious and rightly so. Their plans and proportions are deeply flawed, this does not integrate at all with its surroundings, and clearly shows Skydev’s utter lack of regard for the existing community.
What about the environmental aspect of building right beside, then draining all those roofs and pavement, with their contaminents (salt, antifreeze, oil, etc.) right into the bay? And right beside the conservation beach, at Johnson Park. Would you want your kids to swim in that?
This project is not affordable housing, the units will be sold/rented at ‘market’ value. This project will not lower property taxes – in fact, due to the infrastructure upgrades necessary, your taxes will likely increase, substantially, in order to subsidize Skydev’s investors.
This project will not help our downtown. How do the owners of three motels in town gain by this? Do you want to stand in line behind 500 more people to grocery shop, dine out, go to the beach?
More costs/concerns to the town would include… traffic on small streets, fire protection, policing, snow removal, pumping sewage, overflow parking, stormwater runoff, and environmental degradation.
And what about the people who already live there, some of them for over 50 years?
A nice tree-lined, child safe, pedestrian neighbourhood of single family homes is about to have a bomb dropped in its midst! The sheer size and density of this proposal, coupled with a four-year build time, along with the traffic disruption, noise, and final occupation will obliterate this community.
Official plans and zoning laws exist to protect the existing citizens from developers, who will gladly disrupt their lives in order to make a profit. Council and planning staff must adhere to the official plan, in deciding the future of this proposal. If they get this wrong, we will all live with the mistake for the next hundred years or so. A proper low density subdivision of 20-30 single family homes would so much more suitable – compatible – pedestrian oriented, and simpler to integrate.
Please, don’t let Skydev wreck Meaford.
Hugh Grafton, Meaford
