With regard to your article titled "Anger Over proposed Retirement Complex" - as the previous owner of this property I would like to comment.

Having attended all of the meetings with regard to the proposed development, I am very impressed by the proposal, the thought and consideration that has gone into making this a beautiful, affordable and much needed facility.

On the other hand I am disappointed and perturbed by the short sightedness and confusing negativity of the council members as well as the few neighours who finally showed up at the last meeting only to complain.

Let me address a few comments from your article.

One resident complained that there are "mature trees and well-tended gardens on the property that reflect the history of the area." I have lived here for twenty years and never during this time have I seen a garden, well-tended or otherwise on this property. Maintaining a reasonable lawn on this property cost us a fortune each year in grass seed due to the trees and shade. And yes, these trees are beautiful, but when you take a closer look you will find some splitting from age and dropping huge branches.

Someone at the meeting complained about illegal apartments on the premises. Let me assure you that the property is a legal 3-plex and that the zoning has been changed 'legally' to C5. As to the history of that house, at one time, as the oldtimers will tell you the garage area was divided into rental rooms for bed and breakfast.

It saddens me that the very people that are maudlin and sentimental over the welltended gardens and reflection of history didn't think twice about letting their pets leave their big and little gifts for us to pick up, as well as discarded pop containers, wrappers, etc.

As for a 'population explosion,' the description used by Camilla Scott Wilson goes - just look around Orangeville - at the new developments, the new college, etc. And further, let me remind all of you negatively disposed, we are none of us getting any younger. We need a beautiful facility where a retired couple, particularly in the case where one has been afflicted by a stroke or heart condition can live together in an apartment, comfortably and with all the necessary services provided to them on the premises.

Some years ago after my father suffered a stroke, my parents were looking for just such a facility. The only one they could find was in Toronto, near High Park in a refurbished apartment building. This was a condo, after the purchase of which the monthly cost was over three thousand dollars. And that place had a wait list.

Yes, Orangeville is booming, we are going through a 'population explosion' of the young moving here to the new developments, the new college etc., but let us not forget those of us who have been here, and in the outlying areas who either already are or soon will be in need of such a facility.

Just last summer we were looking for a retirement place for our inlaws to move to Orangeville, but there was nothing available at either the Avalon or the old hospital on First Street.

As far as traffic goes - the conversion of the old hospital to a retirement home on First Street has only proven to lessen the traffic from when it was a hospital. As well, the Bromount on Fead Street which is 10 stories high, is not considered to block anyone's view or increase traffic problems. On Fead Street there are two apartment buildings right next to each other - and who is complaining about that?

Christine Leith

Orangeville