It appears that an unfortunate word use has stirred up a whole lot of controversy and raw emotion amongst some of the citizens of Glenmerry. I am referring to the City of Trail notice of “Proposed Park Disposal” in the February 21st and February 26th edition of the Tail Times.
Apparently, the words “park land” has left some community members concerned that the City of Trail is selling off some of the beautiful park space that surrounds that community.
I can understand the fear that might drive people to canvass neighbourhoods with petitions against the sale of community park land.
However, the piece of land that is in question here is zoned as R1- residential land and is, in fact, an empty lot between two homes.
Like every other resident land owner in Glenmerry has done at some point in time, Jake and Dionne Deadmarsh are hoping to purchase a residentially zoned lot in this beautiful community.
The land does not require rezoning, the Deadmarsh’s did not receive preferential treatment, and the lot is not being sold for anything less than fair market value; all which have been falsely shared by concerned citizens through the use of flyers and petitions.
The City of Trail has tried to correct all of this misinformation through their website, and anyone who wishes to read the facts and make an informed decision is encouraged to look that up on the City Of Trail website- public notices.
The City of Trail has adhered to the policies and procedures in place for this type of sale and the Deadmarsh’s have done nothing more than enquire about purchasing an empty, residential zoned lot.
As for me, this misunderstanding has left me saddened for my niece and her husband, who have been made to feel unwelcome and maligned, in their own community simply for enquiring about purchasing a residential lot; as well, it has left me a little bit wiser when it comes to signing a petition before I have investigated all of the facts.
Sandie Simmons-Johnson
Fruitvale