Two Letters on Belmont

Re: A condo tower is set for Belmont Village — March 3

Since when is it the responsibility of Kitchener city council to ensure the profitability of a developer?

 Developers are responsible for obtaining the necessary professional advice from planners, accountants, and construction firms to determine the profit margins of their investments.

 It is the responsibility of city council to uphold sound planning principles and bylaws to ensure the integrity of a community.

 What was most impressive during the recent debate on the rezoning application on Belmont Avenue was the obsequiousness and hypocrisy of those members of Kitchener council who thanked “all those who participated” and then voted to change municipal bylaws and dismiss sound planning principles.

 The longer and more passionate the “thank you” speech, the stronger the odious stench of hypocrisy. Actions speak louder than words!

 Richard Christy Former mayor of the City of Kitchener Kitchener

 

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Re: A condo tower is set for Belmont Village — March 3

Here are some of the key takeaways from this decision.

Kitchener city councillors repeatedly said that civic response about the project was extraordinary. The mayor called it the most significantly engaged planning issue since he has been on council.

What did we learn? Civic engagement, regardless of amount, is irrelevant to this council in making decisions.

The approved condo tower is heralded as an extraordinary compromise by the developer but still exceeds what is permitted by the official plan and zoning bylaws.

What did we learn? Developers take note — a strategy of asking for more and then scaling it back a little bit is effective for obtaining approval from this council of something that exceeds the rules.

The official plan is very clear about what is permitted in storeys and height.

What did we learn? This council doesn’t feel bound by the city-approved official plan. The official plan is really the “official we have no plan.”

Municipal elections for Kitchener city council take place on Oct. 24. Mark your calendar.

Greg Shepherd Kitchener