Shunpiking Online Vo.3 No.2 What happens to the Bay should be decided by the people

MY NAME is Judy Taggart - I live at 16 Rivers End Rd (that's at the mouth of Ingram River).

I am not opposed to development - I am opposed to this development -- a development that is too large for the parcel of land and a development that proposes taking crown land from the people for its own use and profit.

This development is an open door for further unsuitable development in our area -- development perhaps across the road, or down the road in Boutilier's Point, Black Point, Queensland or wherever.

This is 'urban sprawl’ -- Decentralized communities with large demands on tax dollars.... taxpayers demanding more amenities -- sidewalks, street lighting, increased garbage collection, water and sewer infrastructure, demand for public transit, road construction and maintenance. Right now HRM is unable to provide these services to other areas that have large developments outside the core. So why then, would HRM support this development?

In June 2004, HRM announced a moratorium on approvals of new large-scale housing development in most areas not serviced by municipal infrastructure. So, regardless of whether this development was approved before 2004 it should have no bearing on the decision to allow it to go ahead. That was then.... this is now.

This is a small community that respects and lives within harmony of nature. A community that appreciates what it has and would like to protect it. No one wants the flood of lights at night, taking away our night skies; no one wants the peace and quiet of the Bay destroyed by loud polluting water craft. Trying to get out of your driveway in the summer should give you a good indication of what increased traffic will be like with increased development along the Bay.

That's not saying more housing is unwelcome -- I would like to see Destiny develop this land but with no more than 3 to 4 houses on it and certainly no breakwater and marina.

Most of our local businesses rely on tourism. How many tourists drive along the Bedford highway enjoying the scenic view of a lovely Basin? --- not many! Large development has destroyed the view, the peace, the harmony. That same thing will happen here. This is a beautiful place to live and bring up families. Don't destroy it for future families by allowing such an unsuitable development to open the gates to further unsuitable development.

We recognize our community has to grow and we accept development but this should be done as a COMMUNITY PLANNING TOGETHER. It's our Bay and what happens to it should be decided by the people, not just elected officials. It is in the hands of our provincial MLAs to decide whether they are going to give away OUR crown lands to a selected few and to be used by the selected few. Crown land belongs to the people, not elected officials -- they should listen to the people of the Province.

Councillors, you are responsible for making a decision that involves many people, not just a development. I hope that you truly understand the consequences of your decision; I hope you will not allow negative impacts of this development to occur and to have to look back at the wrong decision after it's too late to do something about it. Please have a conscience.

Councillors: Put yourselves in our shoes.

Councillor Meade: You live in Allen Heights - how would you vote if this development were proposed in your front yard?

I'd like to recommend your reviewing a report entitled, “Sustainability Analysis using The Natural Step Framework for HRM” (submitted Sept 2004). I would be happy to provide a copy to you or you can pull it up off HRM's website. It covers many issues with regards to Sustainable Development and the negative effects of Urban Sprawl.