Contrary to the letter writer of Nov. 5, (Duplex has little support), who says I did not name benefits of a duplex zoning that I voted in favour of, here are the reasons that I have stated for supporting the duplex application at that meeting, as well as previous meetings: the size of the duplex is the same as what would have been allowed were it a single family dwelling; the set backs are more severe than allowed for a single family residential application; the duplex is on a corner lot on a high-traffic corridor, and adjacent to a commercial area; the rezoning was site specific and not precedent setting; and importantly, the duplex zoning creates an appropriate planning transition from the commercial to residential, a zoning feature we unfortunately do not have in Oak Bay. Such transitions enhance commercial vibrancy while protecting residential integrity.
For the record, council voted unanimously in favour of this application.
Tara Ney, councillor
District of Oak Bay