Dear editor:

There is an old adage: never remove a fence without finding out why it was put there in the first place.

Were I to upgrade that adage I would say: never try to circumvent an “official bylaw or plan” without understanding why these guidelines are there in the first place.

A lot of those concepts were crafted and enacted by wise people with long-term visions and perspectives.

By applying these guidelines many streets became artscapes appreciated by both tourist and resident alike. (Yes, there is such a thing as a beautiful street.)

We all benefit from these concepts.

Next time you see an application fluttering on a post, go and read it.

It’s often about a developer seeking permission to bend or break a bylaw.

Maybe they all need a history lesson.

Joost Vandelinde
St. Davids