Who takes responsibility for property devaluation?
By Letter to the Editor on December 19, 2018.
The City of Medicine Hat is has changed the zoning of 352 Primrose Drive SE to allow a developer to build. The problem is that the city has just developed a beautiful community park on this property costing taxpayers more than $700,000, so why would they destroy a beautiful green space within the city that has many benefits, when there is absolutely no shortage of other existing available undeveloped land to build upon within the vicinity? Would the city really allow one developer to benefit at the cost of an entire neighbourhood, natural ecosystem and the taxpayers of this city? Who will bear the cost of the new traffic lights, and road alterations that would be needed? Will it be the taxpayers, or the developer who could freely build pragmatically practically anywhere in the city without devaluing neighbouring homes, resulting in additional unnecessary costs to the city and its people. Here are some facts. It is common knowledge that green spaces and parks increase property value and overall wellbeing to all residents. The increase to physical, social and mental health, as well as the essential necessity of green spaces and parks to filter air pollution, cannot be ignored. It’s common knowledge that in the past when there have been attempts to construct on this land it was discovered that there is an extremely high water table. So, the question should be, who will cover the flooding costs of any newly constructed buildings placed upon this type of land? The city? The developer? Unlikely, as there have been issues in the past where homeowners have not received any warranty on their homes. Is it the city’s responsibility to protect potential homebuyers from this type of disaster? Let’s say everything goes ahead and this green space is replaced with row houses or apartments, and this placement negatively affects the neighbouring existing well-established homes’ values. If even 10 homes at a median price range of $500,000 each have their value decreased by 20-33 per cent each, who will bear the cost of this $1.5 million loss? The city should also be cautious that future potential investors looking to build homes in Medicine Hat may not feel comfortable investing large sums of money only to have the zoning bylaws changed after the fact. If people choose to spend and risk their life long hard-earned money building an investment predetermined by legally established existing permanent building zones, and perimeters, should the city make exceptions to allow a developer the luxury of benefitting financially at the cost of the wellbeing of this city? My home is on the far end of Connaught, so my property will not be impacted nearly as much as the homes near this community green space. Residents should be made aware of how the city makes a practice of altering building zones despite how it affects its residents. I’ve seen it before, beautiful new homes built with beautiful green spaces and views, only to be replaced by large buildings that completely cut off exposure to sun and greenery. Either we stand up together now to speak up, or perhaps you, your neighbours, friends and family may be impacted by planning that has profit ahead of its community goals. Connie Koch Medicine Hat 11-10
