The community meeting about the rezoning for the Fairfield United Church was packed. There were well over a hundred people and standing room only for those that didn't arrive early. The vast majority of people spoke out opposing the rezoning and listed a range of concerns. People were worried about the precedent changing the zoning to Large Urban Village would have and that it was just a matter of time before the other historic structures on that intersection were demolished to build bigger buildings. Many were concerned that the demolition of the historic church and replacing it with a building that is out of character with the community. Others were worried about the congestion and the increased traffic at the elementary school. There were concerns about loss of green space and general densification without regard to community. Some were troubled that this was not affordable housing and the developer refused to say what the rents would be, but they will be high end units so one could guess that they will be expensive. People offered other solutions. One man explained that he had tried to buy the church so that he could restore it and showed the attendees the architect drawings that had been created depicting the restored church. Others spoke about how gentle densification, such as adding garden suites and laneway houses, could have a much greater impact on adding housing without causing such a drastic change. The CALUC will write a report on the comments heard during this meeting for the City Counsel. The next opportunity for public comment will be at the public hearing put on by the City. After that the City will make a decision. Thank you for your support and if you have not yet written to our City councillors, I encourage you to write them at councillors@victoria.ca.