Concerns about the potential for increased crime registered by many during a rezoning public hearing in Bowden on Aug. 12 are valid. Town officials do not need to take them into consideration, obviously.
On the other hand though, simply because a person has a low income it doesn't necessarily follow that they will resort to buying or selling drugs or committing other crimes.
Also, as proponents pointed out, the community is in desperate need of affordable housing as well, and Okotoks developer Kyle McCowan is providing that opportunity through his proposed development for the area.
His proposal is to renovate the old Lions Community Hall to accommodate 26 suites. He would also construct two 450-square-foot cottages on the southeast part of the property.
Other concerns like noise and parking must be addressed (to the extent they can be) as well. But surrounding residents have to be realistic.
Given the affordable housing crunch in the community, some sort of housing development is likely to be located in the area sooner or later, and that will inevitably result in more noise and more vehicles parked in the area.
It's up to council now to weigh all those concerns carefully when developments for the area are formally presented to them. Preventing crime is a concern, but so is the need for affordable housing in the community.
Surely there's a way to achieve both goals.
