I read with interest the letter from Lauren Calancie (Penticton Western News, April 17) regarding the proposed BMX track at Munson Mountain.
I don’t know if I am alone amongst Penticton citizens in being startled that this project has progressed to the public hearing stage with possible approval by May 4 with very little media coverage.
I’ve always been a supporter of BMX bike racing, having had a son involved at an early age who benefitted greatly from the skills learned and the opportunity to build confidence and an appreciation of outdoor activities.
However, I feel a project of this potential magnitude must be given adequate consideration of benefits versus harm regarding impact to the agricultural designated land, and potential change to the pristine Munson Mountain Park environment.
If we are truly considering a “national level” track with its accompanying lights, speaker systems, parking and spectator requirements, we must take the time to thoroughly analyze the impact to the land, the residents and the citizens who care about the unparalleled beauty of this town.
I would strongly urge that we slow down, take a breath, listen to all the stakeholders and consider this proposed change in an educated, thoughtful an unbiased manner before rushing into a potentially enormous alteration to the land many of us love and respect.
Allison Howard
Penticton