Change My Mind

I have deep and abiding concerns about the proposed changes to Bayfield. You cannot manufacture "quaint". The proposed work benefits the businesses on Main Street but has very little benefit for residents.

Main Street has become with minor exceptions a 'tourist mall'. The essential elements of village life have been pushed to the edges of the domain. Many of the 'improvements' have not been well thought out.

Drainage - you propose to start at the 'top of the hill' without knowing for sure that the run-off will go where you want it to go.

You will create a 'faux strip mall' that has very little relevance to the residents. There are no places to buy convenient items, have a coffee and a natter with neighbours, do your banking, rehearse a play, encourage the influx of young families...

Once you have created this tourist shopping mall venue, where will you find the low-paid workers to staff these outlets? Where will they live?

Instead you ask us to spend a small fortune burying hydro wires and worshipping some consultant's idea of a landscaped high-priced open-air galleria marketing accommodation and unfashionable tat.

Meanwhile, those elements which make life in a small village worthwhile are left to the residents to take care of in order that tax money can be directed at attracting well-heeled consumers and affluent immigrants who will pay over the odds to buy property and build extravagant homes.

We have a major highway bisecting the town endangering the lives of those who would want to cross this thoroughfare on foot. Amenities acquired, built and maintained by the residents by subscription in most other municipalities would be available through the local council — parks and recreation.

We have an opportunity to make this place liveable for the residents; that should be our priority.