Some preliminary thoughts on this important overarching issue...
The past few weeks, I have been part of a couple of different discussions where the potential of community opposition has loomed large. One such discussion, we were talking about the importance of what is called infill development - the building of homes or commercial buildings in areas where there are other homes or commercial buildings. This kind of development makes it less expensive for City Hall to service, can create a greater sense of community, and reduces driving time. The question arose: how will existing owners react to more traffic, reductions of views, and other possible intrusions.
I think the only way around such issues is to sit down with existing owners and residents well before starting to approve new infill development. Discussions should centre around listening to concerns, and sharing the benefits of appropriate infill. We need to create a fair process, in which all participants feel invested. This, in my view, will create greater acceptance of the often tough decisions that need to be made. And many participants will feel less pain at giving something up, if they are asked to do so.
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