How would you describe King City? Very likely within your 1st couple sentences you would reference the large lots and all the green vegetation & trees between the houses. Certainly that has been expressed in the numerous comments I have received about the severance application at 38 Clearview. This application proceeds, but in parallel, Councillor Mortelliti put forward a notice of motion at 11/1 Council for debate at the November 14th Council.
The motion is for King to review the current severance policies of the King City Community Plan to consider opportunities to strengthen those policies in order to further protect the older established residential areas in King City. If the motion is approved, such a review will likely include benchmarking the policies in other communities. I am totally supportive of this proactive idea.
Hi Debbie,
I think this review is long overdue! This is a great idea, motioned by Coun. Mortelliti. And no doubt it would serve as a benchmark for the rest of King.
As the contract Heritage Planner’s work will commence soon (I hope!), I’m wondering whether this staff member could provide input to this study? He/she may be in a good position to comment.
Just a thought.
Sincerely,
Greg
Greg…I certainly think that reapplication elsewhere is a possibility. And sounds totally reasonable to me that we would access the knowledge/expertise of a heritage planner.
My initial reaction is that severences will change the nature of our neighbourhoods. Financially, it may be necessary. Will the mature trees still be standing when people begin to build? On James Street a number of beautiful old trees were removed to allow the construction of the very large home built on the property.
Will allowing severences encourage builders to build smaller homes that are in keeping with the neighbourghood? Given the building I have seen in King of new homes I suspect developers will build as large as possible to make maximum profits.
I hope your confidence in this procedure holds true.
Nancy…I too think that mature trees are at risk when there are severances and the subsequent building of a new house. I am confident that there is nothing to lose and possibly something to be gained by reviewing our policies and looking at other jurisdictions. Whether we will find something of value I don’t know.