HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-08 Council Minutes•
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June 8, 2003
To the County of Kneehill Council
This letter is written to inform the council of a situation in Swalwell that has not been properly
handled Over the last 2 years, the county has allowed Don Pike, of Airdrie, Alberta, to set up and
operate an auto salvage business on narrow, old railway land This was done with specific bylaws
pending against such developments The operation has grown since the byaws were in effect.
In addition to bylaw infringement, the landowner has also apparently ignored any standard
development and building practices such as safety codes, setback regulation and development
permits
Even though the county has been approached and informed about this situation by several
ratepayers, there seems to be a problem with getting some action I have received so many
conflicting opinions from within the council and county about this development that I am
presenting this letter to county Reeve Ken Hoppms
If Mr Pikes' development is not within setback and development regulations, I want the
government of Alberta involved to assess and remedy these claims
If having a junkyard in a hamlet is a breach of a current bylaw I would like it removed If some
sort of "grandfather clause" is cited as rebutttal to the current bylaws remember that it would be a
precedent -setting immunity that all ratepayers will demand for every bylaw
This disregard for due -process has abused the system we all abide by By ignoring this
development we have changed the face of an entire hamlet and its tax base
On the other hand if everything is legitimate I would like an official county letter to that effect
This junkyard does affect property values, and as County Councilors and staff would agree,
Swalwell has patiently waited through two tax years for this questionable development to be moved
or approved Therefore before June 25th the final day to appeal our taxes I must insist upon
action on this matter
Yours truly,
Jason Westin
Phone 546 2735