Dear Mayor Van Rijn and Members of Council,

I am writing to respectfully express my opposition to the proposed rezoning of 1511 21 Avenue from Residential R1A to Direct Control (DC) to facilitate the construction of an 8-unit apartment building within an established single-family residential neighborhood.

As a resident and member of the Coaldale community, I believe this proposal is incompatible with the character and intent of the surrounding neighborhood. The area surrounding 1511 21 Avenue is made up primarily of low-density single-family homes, and many residents chose to live in this area because of its quiet streets, established character, and family-oriented environment.

While I understand and support responsible growth and the need for housing options within Coaldale, this proposal represents a significant increase in density on a lot that was not originally intended for this type of development. An 8-unit apartment building in the middle of an R1A neighborhood is not consistent with the existing scale and character of the area.

I am also concerned about the broader implications of approving this application. The use of Direct Control zoning to accommodate a project that does not fit within existing zoning standards creates a concerning precedent for future spot rezonings throughout established residential neighborhoods in Coaldale.

In addition, there are legitimate concerns surrounding parking availability, increased traffic, reduced setbacks, infrastructure capacity, privacy impacts, and the overall compatibility of this development with neighboring homes. The proposal identifies only 9 parking stalls for 8 units, which does not appear sufficient for the realities of vehicle ownership in Southern Alberta. Overflow parking and increased congestion will directly impact surrounding residents.

This proposal, or variations of it, has been considered before and rejected by Council. The concerns that existed then continue to exist today. The roads have not changed, the infrastructure has not changed, and the impact on surrounding residents has not changed.

I respectfully ask Council to reject Land Use Bylaw Amendment 940-P-05-26 and instead prioritize thoughtful, long-term planning that protects established neighborhoods while supporting appropriate growth in suitable areas of Coaldale.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to our community.