Editor:
I highly recommend the esteemed Town of Gibsons Council supports the Stonehurst project.
Why:
a) it preserves public parking
b) it creates much needed new housing
c) it creates revenue for the town – above market value for the lot
d) it creates ongoing revenue via higher property taxes
e) it sensibly develops an under-utilized property on a fairly steep hill with sensible density
f) it enhances the existing park space.
Surface parking must be the worst land use there is. Anything is better: parks, bike lanes, commercial spaces, schools, housing or recreation. Any sensible development therefore should be commended.
The only reservation I have is that there is not enough density i.e. you should consider going even higher, to six-seven stories (at least on the lower portion), as it is a very steep hill and has great view, plus we could have commercial units on ground floor, but at least we keep the existing heritage building as a bistro. Some of this added density would then be used to build some affordable housing within the new building.
Consider amending your OCP for higher density in downtown Gibsons and along Sunshine Coast highway to at least four to five stories throughout!
Otherwise, a great project in these high interest rate, high cost and huge gov regs days with massive delays and planning costs. Kudos to the developers to take on this substantial risk and multi-million dollar investment.
Thomas Beyer, Madeira Park
