Proposal doesn’t meet stated redevelopment plan objective
By Letter to the Editor on September 21, 2019.
As a long time resident of First Street S.W. I have concerns regarding the proposed changes to the corner of First Street SW and Division Avenue South. Firstly, I am opposed to the demolition of a house that has been a landmark in Medicine Hat since the early 1900s. Our history is precious, easily changed for more modern or profitable buildings and then forgotten for all time; once lost it is never regained. Secondly, the builder is proposing to replace the Tweed House with two duplexes or, as is now on the Nickel Group website, four townhouses. This property is located within the Herald Neighbourhood Area Redevelopment Plan which guides the preservation and rehabilitation of existing neighbourhoods yet within a one-block radius there are already seven apartment buildings, one four-plex, one 12-unit condominium and several houses with secondary suites. For an area recognized as being “unique in its character and history” with heritage homes I feel that further multifamily development is not only unwarranted but would negatively impact the neighbourhood. In my opinion this proposal in no way meets the stated redevelopment plan objective of “preserving neighbourhood character and heritage resources to reinforce community identity and historical integrity.” Pat Dietrich Medicine Hat 7-6
