In response to the Gazette May 20 article regarding possible reinstatement of the municipal planning commission, there clearly is a need for an impartial advisory body that would act on behalf of the City in the public consultation process.
A recent proposal for the rezoning of lots 53, 55, & 57 replacing three residential homes with a large apartment complex (80 units) and a land exchange of valuable park land along the bank of the Sturgeon River and facing onto Sturgeon Road has raised many concerns about the current public consultation process.
The current process lacks credibility. Why are developers conducting the public consultations? The city, not the developer, needs to manage the consultations and provide a means for independent and impartial (third party) review of proposals.
Residents are at a disadvantage as developers have the financial means and resources to hire consultants, source out and order studies (impact on traffic, safety, parking, property values, etc.) and present very convincing arguments to city officials. Homeowners do not have the funds or expertise to effectively address concerns they may have with changes being proposed for their community.
City council would be well served by having an advisory committee to assist them in the decision making process. Not make decisions primarily on information provided by a developer and by briefly hearing the concerns of a few residents at a council meeting.
Residents should be able to rely on city officials to conduct an impartial and transparent review of proposals; and therefore would have more confidence in the review and decision making processes that affect this city.
To address industry concerns, an advisory commission if established should have a clear mandate and set of guidelines that provide fast and efficient handing of proposals.
Ken Fenning, St. Albert
