Waiting game
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: November 04, 2009 3:20 PM
The Wharton Street redevelopment project has been in the works for a long time.
Now, the developer is asking council for a one-year extension for the land agreement.
If council approves this extension, it will mean even more waiting before any of the construction work can begin and years before the first of the buildings is completed.
The development concept calls for a series of buildings, up to seven storeys tall, to be built on Wharton Street, Brown Street and Kelly Avenue.
The ground floor of the buildings would be used for public facilities and commercial services, while the upper floors would be for residential housing.
The first building would have space available for the library.
At present, the Summerland library branch is operating in a cramped, crowded facility and is in desperate need for more space.
We understand the reasons behind the extension request.
The recession is taking its toll and until economic conditions begin to improve, it will be difficult for any developer to proceed with a large-scale project such as this one.
But the waiting game is also affecting our community.
For years, we have needed a larger library facility. We also need a bigger and better home for the Summerland Museum.
We cannot continue this way much longer. The space limitations are not just minor annoyances anymore; they are noticeable for anyone who uses these facilities.
Developments such as the Wharton Street project can provide homes for these facilities, without putting the cost burden on the municipality’s shoulders.
The disadvantage is in the delays.
v2
