Public Correspondence and Submissions regarding Z21-0040 (Resident letters & emails)

At the last meeting several of the objections raised were addressed by the council and the developer was asked to do further consultation with our community to try and win support for the project. As a result, a consultant was hired who essentially sent out a letter repeating all the information that had already been amply communicated at the meeting without actually addressing any of the underlying concerns.

I personally wrote to the consultant laying out those underlying concerns and received only the promise to pass them on to the developer but no further dialogue was offered. With that being said I don't feel like the request of the committee was properly or diligently cared out. The developer has shown no desire to hear what the community wants and plan a development accordingly, rather he seems to simply be trying to jump through obligatory politic hoops to get to the next step.

On that note I want to share with you our concerns, which I passed on to the consultant:

I believe that most if not all, of our neighbours would agree that we are not in favour of any sort of high density development on our street. Having moved to this neighbourhood in 2018, we found it desirable specifically because it is characterized by a serene forested environment and quiet atmosphere despite its proximity to many of the amenities we regularly use.

This neighbourhood is characterized by large trees, quiet streets, larger lots, and diverse looking single family dwellings and so for many of us, there would be a net value loss in our neighbourhood should the type of proposed development take place. Some of the historical trees that provide natural habitat for wildlife as well as natural sound barriers to road noise would be removed. The addition of 20 homes would add a huge amount of increased traffic making a street, which is perfect for walking down with children or dogs, less safe.

I recognize that this can be viewed as a NIMBY attitude, and to some extent it is. As I mentioned this neighbourhood is desirable because of what it is. We chose to move here because of what it is, and we are committed to fighting to keep it what it is. However, I think it is important to note that the character of this neighbourhood is not just beneficial to those of us who live in it. We have many families who live in neighbouring streets and apartments who utilize our street precisely because of its quiet and serene aesthetic. Those who live in more compact areas use it as a safe space to access the E&N trail or the Savoury School playgrounds or fields. The addition of 20 townhomes would completely erode this important aspect that makes Vantilburg an amenity to the community at large because of the increase in traffic, noise, the destruction of historic trees and wildlife habitat and natural landscape.

I will be honest.. if the decision was up to us, we would not want more than a new single family house, or perhaps a duplex or even two houses on 2772, however I understand that an investment has been made there and that wants to see a return. And so my hope is that the developer can come up with a compromise that recognizes and seeks to preserve the character of the neighbourhood.

The consultant hired by has notified us that the lots can be subdivided into 6 single family dwellings and though this is still not desirable, if we have to choose the lesser of evils we would choose a new street with 6 new single family dwellings on that property vs 20 townhomes and I am guessing most of the neighbours feel the same way. However, no one finds either proposal particularly attractive.

I hope you as our elected body will take this feedback into consideration as you look at this project and protect the interests of the community in ensuring that any development on this land will continue to preserve the fundamental character that makes this street such a valuable asset to the citizens of central langford.

Sincerely,
Andrew
2755 Vantilburg Cres

Letter — Ashton Neurauter (Date: March 1st, 2023)

Date: March 1st, 2023
City of Langford
877 Goldstream Ave, Second Floor
Langford BC V9B 2X8

To: Mayor and City Council
Re: Townhouse Proposal at 2772 Vantilburg

I am writing in support of the proposed townhouse development at 2772 Vantilburg.

I was a Langford resident for many years but unfortunately had to move to eventually because it was impossible to find a 4 bedroom townhome near to a park where I could take my two dogs. I work in Langford and tire of the daily . I have seen the layout and design for this proposal and feel like this checks all the boxes for myself and other growing families who are looking for a townhome near a school.

Thanks very much,
Ashton Neurauter

Email / Submission — Bill Coller — Sent: March 22, 2022 11:55 AM

Public meeting re 2772 Vantilburg Crescent - Development Permit and Rezoning Application

This is my written submission in regard to the above-noted matter and for use at the upcoming public meeting pertaining thereto. My current address is set out below and in the attached letter.

Dear Mayor Young and members of Council:

I am a co-owner of 2764 Vantilburg Crescent, and resided there from 2008 to 2013. This is further to the February 21/22 letter I sent to the Langford Planning Committee in regard to the proposed development and rezoning of 2772 Vantilburg Crescent, a copy of which is attached. In addition to what is set out in my said letter, I would ask that you consider the following:

1. The views of the residents and property owners of Vantilburg and Penelope crescents should be given significant weight when it comes to making a decision on the proposed development. More time and effort should be spent by the City of Langford in that regard.

2. The Official Community Plan ("OCP") is not clear as to when Vantilburg and Penelope were designated to be part of the City Centre zone. The OCP was originally adopted in 2008; but it was then apparently amended in November, 2021. The nature of the 2021 amendments do not appear to be specified in the OCP. According to the OCP, there was public participation in its creation and adoption in 2007-2008; but no such participation thereafter. I was unaware that Vantilburg and Penelope had been designated as part of the City Centre zone until recently; and those residents of both crescents with whom I have communicated indicated that they were not aware of it either. The full history of the inclusion of Vantilburg, Penelope and other similar R2 residential areas into the OCP after 2008 needs to be disclosed and assessed. The OCP also should be reassessed in that context.

3. Policy 1.6.2 of the OCP specifies that "mixed residential use" is encouraged in the "City Centre" provided that it is an appropriate fit with

Yours truly,

Bill Coller
3373 Vantilburg Crescent
Colwood/Victoria, BC

(Original message header included: Subject: 2772 Vantilburg Crescent - Development Permit Application; Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:37:06 -0500)

Comments — Caitlin Little (2786 Vantilburg Crescent, Victoria BC V9B 3K4) — Sent: December 6, 2021 9:23 PM

Zoning Amendment Concerns file Z21-0040 2772 Vantilburg Crescent

Comments for consideration at December 13 2021 meeting from Caitlin Little of 2786 Vantilburg Crescent, Victoria BC, V9B 3K4

Thank you for your consideration of the following concerns regarding the proposal to re‑zone 2772 Vantilburg Crescent from R2 to CC2 “to allow for the development of a townhouse complex” as is stated in the meeting notice.

The developer who owns this property has expressed interest in building condo towers rather than Townhouses in the past. I would ask that the developer request the correct zoning for the proposed use ‑ RT1 or RT2. It is not difficult to predict what the developer will build if granted the CC2 zoning.

Please protect the existing residents of Vantilburg Crescent and the surrounding streets by approving the appropriate use, RT1 or RT2 rather than giving a developer free reign to build whatever they can fiscally manage.

We are not a neighbourhood that opposes development ‑ we are home owners who welcome more housing options, but assert that a condo towering above a residential home does not respect the existing landscape of Langford and instead creates an embarrassing streetscape lacking planning and vision.

Approving the CC2 zoning sets a dangerous precedent for others and contributes to the growing disdain residents feel toward the city of Langford due to the seemingly negligent processes displayed at Danbrook one among other projects. I urge you to work with residents who are open to development but wish to retain some semblance of a home within Langford. We too are Langford.

Thank you for your time.

Caitlin Little
2786 Vantilburg Crescent
Victoria, BC
V9B3K4

Forwarded message included (From: Caitlin Little — Date: Wed, Feb 15, 2023 at 3:50 PM — Subject: Vantilburg Crescent — To: mayor@langford.ca):

Mr. Goodmanson,

I am writing to you as a last resort having given my input to council and the planning department time and time again as a concerned Langford resident.

I live on Vantilburg Crescent and have become well acquainted with many of our neighbors since we bought our home - the views expressed in this letter are echoed by my neighbours.

Vantilburg and Penelope Place are beautiful family friendly assets enjoyed by many - the homes have character and pride of ownership. Families take the route to walk to Savary Elementary on a daily basis. Those who live along Goldstream and on surrounding streets find wellness and solace walking on our quiet street toward the school and nearby E&N trail.

When the proposal to develop 528+532 Goldstream in the form of a 6 storey condo arrived, my neighbors were shocked to learn our street is designated as "city centre 2" in the OCP. We repeatedly expressed our concerns to the developer and council and provided a petition against the development with more than 70 signatures only to hear that the proposal aligns with the OCP and would proceed. None of my neighbors were aware that Vantilburg's designation had been amended to City Centre 2, many of whom have lived here 20+ years.

Recently neighbors received a letter about yet another development at 2772 Vantilburg. I would urge you to drive or walk down Vantilburg Crescent and ask yourself - is it going to become like Orono Avenue with large buildings looming over small holdout homes, as will soon be the case on the corner of Goldstream and Vantilburg? I sincerely hope this treasured area within Langford will be preserved rather than flattened and re‑developed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Caitlin Little
2786 Vantilburg Crescent

Email — Caly Williams — Sent: December 6, 2021 7:59 PM

Zoning Amendment Proposal for 2772 Vantilburg Crescent

To Whom It May Concern

We are the home owners of 2775 Vantilburg and we strongly oppose this zoning amendment. First thing we have an issue with was the short notice on this, we received the letter on Sun Dec 5th and had to respond by Tuesday Dec 7th. Second thing is that the proposed zoning of CC2 is for commercial zoning and not residential. Third the street is posted as a school zone and with influx of traffic and potential parking overflow, due to the street being narrow, we are worried about the safety of and pedestrians in the neighbourhood. Fourth our street already has a drainage and flooding issue and development on this property may exacerbate that issue. Thank you for hearing our concerns.

Caly Williams

Letter — Chris Tylasu (2934 Robalee Place, Langford BC V9B 5V8) — Date: March 14th, 2023

Date: March 14th, 2023
To: Mayor and Council, City of Langford
Re: 2772 Vantilburg Proposal for Townhouses

Hello, this letter is in support of the townhouse project proposed at 2772 Vantilburg. It is nice to see a well thought out development with shared green space in the core of Langford instead of another 6 story condo going up.

I have friends in that neighbourhood and I think this design would brighten up that area considerably.

Thank you,
Chris Tylasu
2934 Robalee Place
Langford BC V9B 5V8

Letter — Colin Gillman (2785 Penelope Pl., Langford, BC V9B 3K3) — 28th February 2023

Colin Gillman
2785 Penelope Pl.
Langford, BC V9B 3K3

28th February 2023

To the City of Langford,

I am in support of the townhouse development at 2772 Vantilburg because it will bring sewer hookups to houses along the street. It will also provide more housing for people needing a place to live in Langford.

Sincerely,
Colin Gillman

Email / Submission — George Montebello — Sent: December 6, 2021 9:35 PM

File number Z21-0040
December 6, 2021

Planning, Zoning and Affordable Housing Committee

RE: File Z21-0040
2772 Vantilburg Cres.

A lot of the residents of the Vantilburg area have been here for 15 years or more and bought here for the quiet rural setting to raise their families. Recently we have seen another influx of young families buying here to raise a family in their "forever homes". The impact on the community over the proposed development will create stress and possible hardship for these families. We have worries about increased traffic, noise, and the safety of our children in this now peaceful neighborhood.

The meeting notice we received in the mail only came on Friday. To be expected to come together as neighbors and submit our thoughts on this proposed development by Tuesday at noon is an unacceptable timeline. The residents that I have spoken to have no desire to have this project stuck right smack in the middle of our quiet street. Let's continue to develop the downtown core and main thoroughfares before we destroy the quiet neighborhoods around them.

Vantilburg Cres. is a community with narrow streets and no sidewalks where children and families walk on the street and say hello to each other as kids play street hockey and ride their bikes. To allow development here without insuring the safety of all its residents would be wrong. With just having the extra traffic from school pick up and drop off during the day can be challenging as some of these drivers speed and don't realize the risk they are taking with their recklessness. I have witnessed many close calls involving vehicles and pedestrians from my front window. I have asked for traffic calming measures for safety, but was denied, so what does that say about the city's priorities to keep its residents safe?

Why is this Zoning amendment proposal for CC2 ? The proposed townhouse development only requires RT1 or RT2 designation. Putting options out there for a developer to change their proposal to include a 4 story condo building in a small residential neighborhood is not necessary at all. There is no city sewer even on the street. I do not agree with this proposed change to the zoning from R2 to CC2 and I get the same feeling back from my neighbors I have spoken with.

I understand that the City of Langford needs to grow and prosper. Some of the other Langford areas that I have seen developed in my 30 years living here, have been ripe for development due to either the condition of the homes or of their proximity to City hall and the downtown core. If you look down our street, you will see a community of proud home owners who care about their neighborhood and the people living in it. This is why we moved here.......

Sincerely;
George Montebello
2767 Vantilburg Cres.

Letter — George Montebello — February 20th, 2022

February 20th, 2022

Planning, Zoning and Affordable Housing Committee

RE: File Z21-0040
2772 Vantilburg Cres.

The residents of the Vantilburg area have been here for 15 years or more and bought here for the quiet rural setting to raise their families. Recently we have seen another influx of young families buying here to raise a family in their "forever homes" close to an elementary school. The impact on the community over the proposed development will create stress and possible hardship for these families. We have worries about increased traffic, noise, and the safety of our children in this now peaceful neighborhood.

The residents that I have spoken to have no desire to have this project stuck right smack in the middle of our quiet street. Let's continue to develop the downtown core and main thoroughfares before we destroy the quiet neighborhoods around them.

Vantilburg Cres. is a small community with narrow street and no sidewalks where children and families walk on the street and say hello to each other as kids play street hockey and ride their bikes. To allow development...

There is no city sewer even on Vantilburg Cres. And the proposal only seems to allow for sewer to the new project. What about the impact to the rest of the residents and allowing sewer to all so the whole neighborhood benefits and not just the developer?. I do not agree with this proposed change to the zoning from R2 to CC2 and I get the same feeling back from my neighbors I have spoken with.

I understand that the City of Langford needs to grow and prosper. Some of the other Langford areas that I have seen developed in my 30 years living here, have been ripe for development due to either the condition of the homes or of their proximity to City hall and the downtown core. If you look down our street, you will see a community of proud home owners who care about their neighborhood and the people living in it. This is why we moved here.......

Sincerely;
George Montebello
2767 Vantilburg Cres.
Victoria, BC

Email — Gerry Willner — Sent: December 6, 2021 9:43 PM

Proposed rezoning of 2772 Vantilburg

To Planning Department at City of Langford,

I am writing to you today regarding the Meeting notice I received on Saturday Dec 4th, 2021. The timeline of receiving this notice with a due date 3 days later to submit my correspondence is not sufficient. This has not given me enough time to meet with neighbors being that we are currently in a pandemic.

I moved to 2774 Penelope Place for the quiet family neighborhood life. We would like to keep our privacy and easy going living. Keeping the traffic down and having the neighborhood children attend Savory Elementary and being able to safely walk to school each day is of vital importance. Savory Elementary is currently full so rezoning 2772 Vantilburg will only draw more families to the neighborhood with no vacancy at the local school.

We live on a cul-de-sac which only has one way in and one way out. It is already busy with ample cars trying to get in and out onto Goldstream Avenue. The addition of further housing in this closed neighborhood will only increase traffic to an already dense enough area.

We are against the property at 2772 Vantilburg being turned into a condo development however can support a 4 townhouse complex.

We have significant concerns regarding sitting water at 2772 Vantilburg and how that will be dealt with and drained without it affecting numerous homes on the street. Why is this residential area being rezoned as a CC2 when the proposal is for a townhouse complex?

Gerry Wilner
2774 Penelope Place

Email — Gerry Willner — Sent: February 21, 2022 11:35 AM

Townhouses Development on Vantilburg

Good morning,

I feel the 20 townhouse development on Vantilburg is too many. I would like to of heard from the developer, someone in person, so we as the affected could ask questions.

We moved here because we wanted a larger piece of property, not two feet from your neighbors. We like living on a cul-de-sac, low car traffic, mostly neighbors.

We like to see the children on the cul-de-sac making art on the road with road chalk. Playing road hockey, skate boarding, basket ball and children just sitting on the boulevard talking and playing with other. Neighbors walking from house to house talking to neighbors, admiring their gardens and talking about the improvements on their homes they have done.

The zoning on our property in one home per property. So you go and change the zoning to what even you want but we can't. Not fair.

Gerry Willner
2774 Penelope Place

Email — Gord & Helen Bradley (2763 Vantilburg Crescent) — Sent: December 6, 2021 11:37 PM

proposed rezoning of 2772 Vantilburg Crescent

We have lived and paid taxes here at 2763 Vantilburg Crescent for at least 40 years.
We are absolutely totally opposed to the rezoning of 2772 Vantilburg Crescent to CC2 (City Centre 2)

That zoning is completely unnecessary for the proposed townhouse application.
We have corresponded with the developer directly and he has stated his interest is only in developing 5 townhouses within that property.

The CC2 zoning allows much more than that as you well know. This is an area of settled families with young children and a deep respect for their fellow neighbours.

We have grave concerns about traffic, flooding, children’s safety, insufficient policing., insufficient parking, fire concerns including insufficient manpower in the firehall(s).

Both Vantilburg and Penelope are one way streets with minimal turn around provisions and virtually no way to provide a through street. The excessive traffic that would occur is definitely going to impede what is already a challenge and a safety concern of the parents of the little kids that attend the school at this time.

Last night I attended a meeting with my fellow neighbours and discussed at length this proposal and everyone of them is absolutely against this rezoning. Each and everyone has submitted a response within the ridiculous time frame presented to us all, While we respect how Langford has progressed from “Dogpatch” to a city we can be proud of it is time to stop ignoring the very people that have always supported you in the past. You still have options for increased housing developments in Langford but please pay some respect to your present population.

They voted you in, supported you in every election and continue to make every effort to support local businesses and neighbours

Respectfully,
Helen & Gordon Bradley
2763 Vantilburg Crescent
Langford B.C.
V9B‑3K5