Dear Editor:
RE: Proposal amended but public opinion hasn’t changed on ‘Estill Innovation Community,’ June 29.
Thank you for creating awareness of this proposed industrial development. Our neighbourhood community believes the concerns cannot be dismissed as NIMBYism, as earlier suggested by Jim Estill.
Everyone has an obligation to protect the health and well being of both the environment and the people. We need to acknowledge well documented findings of serious physical and mental health issues impacting nature and humans when industry moves in.
We need to ensure that industry grows in a safe and proper way that minimizes this harmful impact. Mr. Estill has safe, suitable locations available. Industry clashes with nature and humans – they cannot coexist. Mr. Estill’s vision could be well received in an appropriate location.
Mr. Estill clearly stated in February that he “would not shoehorn his way in where he is not wanted.” We took him at his word, thinking he was abiding by his motto of “Do the right thing.” We were stunned to be told he afterwards purchased the farmland. A new design concept was presented, lacking in both honesty and transparency – e.g. superficial little “amenities” like a “seating area” labelled and highlighted, with vast paved areas of parking lots and endless truck bays not even identified.
We have lost trust. No amount of modification can prevent the overwhelming impact on quality of life. How can Mr. Estill describe these huge appliance and lumber warehouses (and unknown additional industry) as an agriculture and food hub? With Mr. Estill being recognized as a “community builder” and calling it an Innovation Community, it is ironic that, by building his so-called “community,” he will destroy a well established peaceful, much loved, nature and residential community in the process.
Everyone has a responsibility here – it is time to put health and well being ahead of poorly located industrial development – not just in our neighbourhood, but throughout our beloved Puslinch and far beyond.
Donna and Jim Christie,
Puslinch