The Monday night Planning, Zoning, and Affordable Housing (PZ&H) Committee meeting Monday had only one issue to look at, and that was to rezone a property (one that’s part of the Bear Mountain Comprehensive Development). At present it is estimated to be able to hold possibly hundreds of lots, and the owner (and resident) Lawrence Paul Goudy is requesting it be rezoned for only 15, an unusual request.
Paul Goudy, as he was addressed by Denise Blackwell who chaired the proceedings, was sitting with former Langford Councillor John Goudy and his wife, but Paul alone spoke and Paul is the only applicant on the zoning request. He spoke about his reasons for the request, indicating that he lived on the property and wanted it, and the surrounding area, to stay as it was until he died. It was noted by the committee that this could possibly a very long time, an apparent reference to Paul Goudy being a relatively young individual. Paul expressed a strong desire for the forested property to remain without public access while he was alive, after which “I’d be happy to give it to Langford after I’m gone.”
There was discussion of covenants and other ways to preserve the land. Paul Goudy made it clear that he wanted to realise a different vision for the land than what has happened in the adjoining Bear Mountain development, saying “I’ve seen what’s happened at Bear Mountain and it’s devastating.”
Langford Planner Matthew Baldwin noted that Read the rest of this entry »
