To the Editor,
I am writing this letter in regards to the public notice advertised by the Town of Carlyle in the February 18 and 25th edition of the Carlyle Observer. The Town of Carlyle intends to pass a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw no. 2010-06. This amendment is to rezone vacant land near Lions Park from Community Service District to R-1 Residential.
I would like to express my opinion against such intentions in our community. This particular area is the ONLY vacant portion of available park space for any short-term expansion needs. Such needs include: parking, ball diamonds, soccer, and all other "unexpected" activities, which a growing community deals with. The Town of Carlyle has no short or long term plans in effect at this moment. The Town is currently in talks with some of the recreational committees in our community, in regards to our future recreational needs. However, such plans may take anywhere from 5 to 15 years to fulfill. Did you know, that last year we had 21 Minor Ball teams and only 5 diamonds to accommodate these teams?
As a taxpayer in this community, I have great concerns. We have invested in the development of a subdivision, on the south west side of our community. This is where the town should be encouraging people to purchase property. Furthermore, the piece of property that is vacant would be developed for only ONE residential property. It makes no economic sense, to develop that property for ONE homeowner, when our money is already invested in a subdivision development!
I met with the Property Committee on January 10th and Town Council on January 19th. The questions that I asked both the property committee and Council were, "How is this in the best interest of our community? How will this impact our community?" Not one person had an answer for me. As an elected representative for our community, this should be the first and foremost question that should be answered before any subject is brought forth at council, and if it cannot be answered, the subject should be dropped! This is what should happen to this amendment until there is a short and long term plan in effect.
I will continue to fight for the rights of the citizens and the youth in our community. I would hope that you as taxpayers and council members would do the same!
Tammie Riddell
