Dear Editor,
We want to thank our neighbors, our community and the Imagine Meaford group that filled Council Hall on February 25th to oppose Sky Dev’s Minor Variance Application seeking an increase in height, that had a direct causal effect on the surface parking. The increase in height sought was to replace the underground parking with additional units amounting to a total of 183 from the conditionally approved 153 units on this small parcel of waterfront land neighboring a quiet residential area. With the removal of the underground parking the outdoor parking proposed substantially grew from 98 cars to 242 cars creating health, environmental and safety concerns. The citizens were respectful in presenting their concerns, displaying that they had put a lot of time and research in preparation for the meeting.
We appreciated the time and effort the Committee of Adjustments (COA) took in reading through all the opposition letters. Thank you to the COA members in being patient in listening to the long line up of community members, who one after another openly spoke on their concerns of the negative impact such a large outdoor parking lot would have on the families in the neighborhood.
The Committee of Adjustment Public Session displayed true democracy being followed by our Municipality. The outcome was that the Minor Variance Application was denied in that it did not meet the 4 Ontario Legislative requirements to be considered a Minor Variance.
Expecting that Sky Dev has the opportunity now to appeal this Minor Variance and there is no guarantee as to the final outcome of the outdoor parking, we would like to genuinely thank and acknowledge our Planning Department staff for their dedication and professionalism in what is often a difficult and thankless job.
Sincerely,
Donna Earl, Danielle Hessel and Judy Pryma
