Internal correspondence: Planning staff routing and response requests re public letter (Matthew Baldwin email and forwards)

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Transcribed letter / email content (continued)

At times she was rude, opinionated and you would think she had never spoke into a mic before. She acted like it was already a done deal threatening that she could cancel the meeting if she didn't get her own way. She also found it amusing when it was brought to her attention that the wrong zoning information was sent out to residents regarding the high density and there was no offer to correct i t. Despite the negative atmosphere generated from the committee and difficulty they had speaking into microphones, the residence association was the complete opposite.

I commend the CSLSD for their professionalism and well researched presentation highlighting concerns for the environment and loss of wildlife habit as well as over crowding which puts a strain on the whole community.

I am very concerned that the City of Langford is taking the same route as the developers in choosing the lowest standards and requirements to operate by. This is true with Riparian zones, lot sizes, building codes, protection of forests and wildlife habitat.

A City of Victoria Councillor recently referred to Langford as "little Surrey". I am sure you find that comment as offensive and concerning as I do.

I urge all of you to be accountable in your descions you make that change forever the natural beauty of our little gem on the WestShore.

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Letter: Dear Ms. Blackwell,

I am writing to express my concern about the lack of long-term vision for our community.

Last weekend I hosted breakfast for friends who live in Victoria. They commented on how they understood why my family and I choose to live in Langford, despite the commute I endure each week to my work. They said how Langford had a beautiful 'west coast' feel, with houses and businesses surrounded by old trees and the ability to quickly feel immersed in nature.

I could only answer that all of that was rapidly disappearing, and that I lived in a community where the leadership seemed to have no regard or understanding for what made it special. I pointed across the road to a lot with a stand of six Douglas firs, and told them sadly that they would be gone within two years.

Each day I return home past former stands of trees. Native animal species in my yard have disappeared. Development, which I understand and accept to be inevitable, seems to be done to the lowest standard expected of developers. No other community would permit such short term planning and thoughtless, ugly builds. People living in our community seem to have no voice or choice. Buildings built right against the road with minimal easements, traffic making old walks now unsafe and unpleasant. Greenspace, trees and wetlands - and parks - taken down to make way for parking and commercial development, with the smallest of community trade offs. I have attended council to speak to rezoning, to realise that the community consultation was meaningless, with the mayor himself indicating the decision had been made.

The newest seemingly 'done deal' is the proposed development at 950 Worrall/804 Latoria. I admire the citizens organizing to respond, but feel their chances to make a difference for our community are hopeless.

We are living in interesting times. Much more is being demanded of leadership for the future of the planet. Every person in government has the obligation to become well versed in the science of climate change, and take steps - frankly, radical steps - to mitigate the damage. The children of Langford are growing up with a precarious future. All decisions on types of development need to take in consideration a much longer view. The idea that our community is preparing to eliminate a forest to put in high density development is shocking, but sadly not unsurprising. It is long past time for you and your council to consider longterm affects of your decisions. I urge you to change course.

Sincerely,

[Name redacted]

Email thread forwarded by Julie Coneybeer

From: Julie Coneybeer
To: Langford Planning General Mailbox
Cc: Suzette Chapman
Subject: FW: 20190711 re Development Forest Concerns
Date: Thursday, July 11, 2019 10:44:55 AM

For public hearing package. Thx

Julie Coneybeer
Executive Assistant
Mayor, Council and CAO
City of Langford, 250-478-7882 (ext 4204)

From: Julie Coneybeer
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2019 10:39 AM
To: [redacted]
Subject: 20190711 re Development Forest Concerns

Good morning [redacted], thank you for your email(s) received for Mayor and Council and please be advised that it will be circulated for their review and I have also sent it to our Planning Department to include in the public hearing package for this rezoning application. Thank you

Julie Coneybeer
Executive Assistant
Mayor, Council and CAO
City of Langford, 250-478-7882 (ext 4204)

From: [redacted]
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2019 10:08 AM
To: Langford Council council@cityoflangford.ca
Subject: Mayor and Council

You have received an email from [redacted] via the Langford website contact us form

Name:
[redacted]

Message:
Dear Mayor Young and Councillors,

When new development destroys established forests and wildlife, it concerns us all. Thank you for your attention to this issue.

I attended the rezoning proposal for 804 Latoria Rd and 950 Worrall Dr on Monday July 8. I was very disappointed in Denise Blackwell's lack of professionalism as chair of the meeting.