Re: “New residential development lifeline for Oak Bay church,” Dec. 28.
The article would have the reader believe that the church has listened to neighbours and taken their concerns to heart. The meeting attendees were in agreement the development should be a maximum of three storeys with sufficient parking for the residents and the church. The drawings presented to us were are all massive buildings, four or five storeys, with insufficient parking.
The church admits it is in financial difficulty, just like many others. However, in order to solve your problem do you have to destroy a neighbourhood? Love thy neighbour seems to be missing in their approach.
The neighbourhood is not against affordable housing nor increased density. We want a reasonably sized development that fits into the surrounding area.
We have tried to work with the church with limited success. Other neighbourhoods have experienced similar challenges with United Church congregations as they develop their lands. The church seems to be leaving religion behind and becoming a nationwide property developer.
Matt Stooke
Oak Bay
