Questions have surfaced over a City of Vernon agency that is looking to develop a large chunk of land in Okanagan Landing. The Vernon Taxpayers Association is concerned about the Hesperia Development Corporation, which is owned by the city, and is proposing a mix of residential and commercial uses on the 69-acre Hesperia lands on Apollo Road. “We, the citizens of Vernon, demand the market research and business plan that proves this development is a needed, viable and profitable operation to the citizens of Vernon,” said Don House, association spokesman. The 69 acres used to be owned by the city but are now in the hands of the corporation. “We demand to know if the corporation will be making money on the sale of lots and housing,” said Don House. “We want to know whether this project will be contracted out by the bidding process or will it be given to one contractor.” The association is also seeking reports submitted to council by the corporation and corporation meeting minutes. It also wants a compilation of input from a May public meeting. “We demand to know why this project is supported by council when it flies in the face of the official community plan and the anti-sprawl sentiment within Vernon,” said House.
------------------
Don Quixote Note: By any other name was an earlier article from July 18, 2007 by Richard Rolke that initially questioned the setting up of the Hesperia Development Corps. The full press release from the Vernon Taxpayers Association can be found at The Vernon & Districts Taxpayers' Association Press Release re: Hesperia Development Corporation.
Hesperia still operating on Dark Side is an article detailing some of the cash flow statements for this new Corporation. Other details of the Partnering agreement between the City of Vernon and its 100% subsidiary can be found here.
Don Quixote Rant:
When the average person can clearly say, we will give up "x" number of dollars if we develop that land rather than sell it to developers BUT we will get "y" number of attainable housing units and I think that is fair, then the deal should be made. When the average Councillor can actually say and understand that, than then and only then should they actually vote on this deal.
This is a political decision regarding the use of taxpayers assets and Council should assure themselves that can defend their decision by explaining the financial benefits that we will gain and this can only be done if all these facts are debated in an open Council Meeting with all financial projections made available to the public.
2 comments:
The Civic complex lack of due process revisited yet again!!
This is an awful council Barry Beardsell excepted
Roll on November not a day too soon!
Re Hesperia Lands:
A review of process is required regarding the removal of these lands from the ALR. Research shows that the Concil of the day originally voted NOT to support the removal of these lands. The subject was "revisited" when the "right" council members were present and the vote for ALR removal was supported. I note that only one member of that council to vote in support for removal remains. Mr. Beardsell is the only member of council remaining to support this removal. Nicole and Cochrane voted against support.
Post a Comment