Editor:
Delta has specific guidelines in the Ladner Area Plan and the Official Community Plan that are there for good reason: to protect the character of Ladner Village and surrounding areas.
The developer of the property at the corner of 47A Avenue and 48B Street is asking Delta council to change the rules so his project will remain "economically viable," as was stated at the public information meeting earlier this month.
While the developer has significantly changed his original design, there remain two major issues: The developer is requesting a change in zoning from eight units per acre to 30 units per acre and is also requesting a major variance to the road allowance.
Why these two requests?
The developer understandably wants to maximize the number of units on this parcel of land to maximize his profits and at the same time asks that we ignore or bend the rules that are in place.
When asked at the public meeting why these requests were necessary, it was stated that a smaller building would not be "economically viable."
With due respect to council and the public's gullibility, it appears the developer may have misjudged the public outcry and perhaps could have formulated a business plan based on what could be developed with respect to the rules of the current Official Community Plan and specifically the Ladner Area Plan. Then determine if the project is viable.
Don't ask for forgiveness based on an economic argument because one did not follow the rules.
For the developer to use the argument that his project will not be economically viable (or not enough profit perhaps) if we don't change the Ladner Area Plan appears to be at least bad planning on his part or at worst may be a calculated play that council will let this roll through.
I object to this proposal and ask that council send it back to the drawing board.
Brian E. Webb
