LDA23-0057 Griesbach Battalion Square

My home backs out onto the lot where a 6 story apartment is supposed to be built. My partner and I are extremely disappointed by this rezoning proposal. We built our home 3 years ago and would NOT have built where we did if we knew the lot behind us was going to be rezoned for a 6 story apartment. This is MUCH taller than any other structure inside the inner neighbourhood of Griesbach, and as our home is East-West facing, we will not have any sun in our backyard in the afternoons. This will kill our grass, trees, and garden in our back yard. We are very disappointed by this rezoning proposal and do NOT want it to move forward as is.

- I am a resident in Griesbach located directly adjacent to the proposed rezoning site, where two six story-buildings will be constructed;
- The area around me still has several lots for sale, therefore I believe that the public consultation on this rezoning application will be skewed heavily in favour of the developer, and I urge you to consider the comments of those who have made huge personal financial investments in the area in your decision;
- Additionally, residents in the general neighbourhood appear supportive simply because of the promise of a grocery store, however, a zoning decision can be made in a way that still allows for commercial activity but restricts the height and type of residential property proposed;
- In purchasing a home, I paid attention to the current “medium density” residential zoning of the property located near me before purchasing;
- Regarding the commercial development:
o I don’t have any objection to the use of the current building as a commercial development;
- Regarding the six-story condominium building(s) proposed:
o My property will be directly affected as the development will entirely engulf my property and those of my neighbours;
o All other areas of Griesbach where there are larger scale residential complexes, the complexes are located apart and away from low-density single family home areas;
o The land separation between my property and the structure will be incredibly small. No amount of landscaping is going to make this aesthetically appealing;
o Given the proposed height of the residential structures, it will allow the occupants of the building(s) direct sightlines to my yard, infringing on my privacy and enjoyment of my property;
o I purposely bought a west facing home, and recently spent a significant amount of money building a deck and outside structure for the enjoyment of my yard. The buildings will block all access to sun and shade the property completely;
o The laneways (alleys) surrounding the area are small. With 200+ neighbors and a commercial area, it will become incredibly congested;
o The structure will loom over all other structures around it, looking awkward and out of place. Again, in all other areas of the neighbourhood where these types of structures are built, they are built in areas where commercial spaces and other medium-high residential properties are located;
- I appreciate the City’s motives for density; however, this decision should not be taken lightly, and consideration should be given to the fact that a number of the lots in the area are still being developed so a lack of response or consultation on this issue should not be deemed as support.
- Those who appear to support the idea, are not those directly affected.