Dear Editor:
I wish to address a number of concerns recently raised regarding preliminary redevelopment applications for properties located in Lynn Valley Centre.
There has been much community discussion over the years regarding the future vision for Lynn Valley Town Centre. Beginning with public workshops and design charrettes in 2007 and sharpened by the official community plan (OCP) process and adoption in 2011. We are fortunate in the district to enjoy active involvement by our citizens - thousands of participants took part in the process leading up to OCP adoption. Their valuable input will continue to guide us as we enter the implementation phase.
As Lynn Valley Town Centre planning proceeds, preliminary development applications, or planning enquiries have been received from developers for two properties, the Safeway site and the south end of Lynn Valley Centre, including the Zellers site. Preliminary applications are drafted by developers and are basically early design concepts, subject to change depending on feedback received. These preliminary applications are typically distributed to adjacent neighbours, within a 75-metre radius, and local community associations for early comment and feedback. The applicant will then use that input to prepare a formal development application. In the case of Safeway and Lynn Valley Centre, both applications will be required to go through a full rezoning and development permit process. These are highly open processes with extensive public notification, fully facilitated public information meetings and, ultimately, public hearings. There will be several opportunities for public input in the event that these preliminary applications move toward rezoning applications.
I thank all residents who took the time to contact us with their concerns and I encourage everyone to become involved as this process moves forward. As a result of the feedback received to date, we are considering expanding the distribution for preliminary application notices for projects that are key to OCP implementation.
Further information on the preliminary applications, including feedback opportunities, can be viewed at dnv.org. Information on our OCP can be viewed at identity.dnv.org.
Richard Walton, mayor District of North Vancouver
