Editor,
In response to a petition on Facebook and a previous letter to the editor published in this paper in response to my North Yards development proposal, I'd like to share with the citizens of Squamish the following points I presented at a city council public hearing regarding this matter. I, Peter Syvenky, as owner of one of the four lots am affected very negatively by the motion to remove these lots from the Industrial 1 zoning designation, to which I justifiably object.
I was told by my realtor when I was first considering the property that I-1 zoning was in effect since 1988, this zoning was also reaffirmed by the mayor in the Squamish Chief.
My decision to purchase a lot with a 65-year-old house [was] only because of the industrial zoning.
I-1 zoning is the only logical zoning as the railway switching yard and heavy industrial to the west, north and south, to the east another 65-year-old house and an old horse barn. With an I-1 designation and present residential use RS-2 use for as long as wanted, with no change of any kind required.
There is no rational reason in forcing residential zoning on me with heavy industrial on three sides. I-1 zoning maximizes the property value for all four properties, rather than lowering the property values of my neighbours with my development.
My proposed industrial use building is an excellent visual and sound buffer to the continued RS-2 use of my neighbours. My development would bring 32 industrial tax bases plus 50 to 70 new jobs for the residence of Squamish. Industrial use would not be as intrusive as RS-2 being that these businesses do not operate generally after 5 p.m.
The exaggerated and unfounded complaints, and fear mongering from the savethenorthyards.com regarding lower property values is false. A 24-hour restaurant is unrealistic being located so far from the highway and only two parking stalls per business. I-1 industrial height maximum is 35 feet, while RS-2 height is maximum 29.5 feet, which would appear taller because it would be closer to the neighbours' property line.
With council supporting my request will be serving truth, fairness, and all taxpayers by increasing tax base job opportunities in keeping with the mandates of the city and maintaining land values for my three neighbours with the current existing I-1 designation.
Peter Syvenky
Edmonton
