I attended a public meeting on rezoning an area near where I live. Currently it is vacant lot, although last month there were two machines digging big holes in it. When I had asked them what they were making, I was told a gas station.
The meeting I was just at conflicts with that theory. The owners want to build a six story condo, but they need permission from city council to get rezoned. I’m normally a fan of infill development, but it becomes a different matter when it is in your own backyard. My big concern is that they want to put a tall roof on it, which will make it look nicer, but block more of my view. I somewhat like the vacant lot because it gives me a clearer sight of southern Edmonton. It’s the same reason I miss overlooking the noisy trainyard, currently blocked by a different four story condo, but with a very tall roof.
But, looking at what the lot is currently zoned for, they could construct a post-apocalyptic nightmare there tomorrow without anyone’s permission. I looked at the list of acceptable uses, and I figure they could make a gas station with an attached liquor store if they wanted. A condo seems like a better idea.
I found the people who attend these meetings interesting; I wonder if these archetypes attend every public meeting? In attendance were the people who were upset that their neighbourhood has evolved (agreeably not always for the better) and had suddenly found a forum to vent about it. Even if completely off topic. They liked to be angry, and wanted to take it out on someone.

A zealot can’t change his mind. A fanatic can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject. – Winston Churchill.

They were like dogs with a bone; couldn’t let it go.
Also there were the people who want to run for council. They aren’t elected yet, but trying to. Unfortunately, this person was trying to cater to the senior’s vote. I did not like her platform.
The biggest issue of the night was one that wasn’t supposed to be covered: increased traffic and parking. According to one official, Edmonton council is trying to concentrate more on moving people instead of goods. So they are focusing on transit and bikes. Hope it works out.