Re: An article (Gazette, Jan. 24) called "City calls for comments on housing changes."
Apparently the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board wants to increase density in residential neighbourhoods. The city of St. Albert city councillors are asking residents of St. Albert to share their views about changing zoning designations in St. Albert.
In that article was a quote from affordable housing liaison Lory Scott who stated “Restricting development forms could potentially restrict the city’s housing market, driving potential residents to other communities within the region.”
I have no doubt that this statement is firmly believed by some people. I, however believe the reverse of that statement is also true. When I purchased my home in St. Albert, I selected a neighbourhood that was developed and mature, because that’s what we wanted and it was zoned the way we wanted it. If it was zoned a different way, we would have continued looking elsewhere.
If we are to continue to re-zone existing neighbourhoods in St. Albert in order to conform with the decisions made by our new ‘experts’, then I suggest you would also need to re-school the residents about this sudden necessity. These are the same residents who are currently paying taxes, mowing lawns, and shovelling the snow off city sidewalks in the same neighbourhood that they are very proud to live in and call our home.
Perhaps, the city council, urban planners, and developers should get together and select a new district for skinny houses and condos. Why wait for people to move in and then re-zone?
Don Noon, St. Albert
