To the editor,
I am deeply concerned about the current rezoning application for the property located at 2367 Arbot Rd. The application is requesting a change to medium-density residential to accommodate the potential building of a large condominium adjacent to the Bethlehem Centre. This would have a profound effect on the peaceful, natural setting of Westwood Lake as well as the retreat centre. Rezoning of this property to accommodate the building of a condominium complex would have a profound, immediate (and long-term) negative impact on this precious ‘jewel’ of Nanaimo.
Many local residents and visitors enjoy Westwood Lake and the parklands surrounding it: Allowing one or more large condominium complexes in the proximity would not be prudent. I hope that our Nanaimo city council will have the wisdom to turn down this rezoning application to protect this precious area so we can continue to enjoy its serenity and so our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy it as well.
We have already established the zoning for this area in our OCP – for a multitude of reasons, we should not change this.
Lynn Burrows, Nanaimo
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To the editor,
Re: Condo buildings pitched next to Westwood Lake, June 4.
Does our community and city councillors not realize that our tennis club functions year-round and meets the recreational and social needs of many people?
If the city allows this rezoning and condo development to go ahead, it will be a sad end to this decades-long Nanaimo facility that has served our community well. A valuable social resource will be lost. Yes, there are tennis courts at Beban, Bowen Park, and elsewhere, but only the Westwood Lake venue provides year-round tennis.
As for the racquet club “relocating elsewhere,” that statement is a far too inadequate response to the problem. The Westwood tennis facility and bistro function quite nicely as is. It may need tweaking and maintenance, but it’s not broken. Tearing down the bubble and adjoining clubhouse/restaurant would be a terrible waste of structure in my opinion.
Surely a buyer can be found who could retain this property as a tennis venue and continue what has been serving residents for a very long time. Perhaps the City of Nanaimo, as purchaser, makes sense. A lot of money has been spent on Oliver Woods, the aquatic centre, Beban Park, and other places to meet the year-round diverse recreational needs of our citizens. Why not include the Westwood facility as part of what we include in our community plan?
Based on the company’s plans as outlined in this article, I am strongly opposed to the rezoning of this property.
Gerry Galey, Nanaimo
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.