Another two (2) bite the dust in Long Branch
Reeaaalllyyy sad to see both Oxygen Bikes and Happy Bakers close this month and it makes me wonder if it's time to have a bigger conversation about the future of Lakeshore and how we're viewing growth in the area. I can't help but think that maybe the neighbourhood associations and their opposition to any kind of density in the area play a pretty important role...
To me, things like multiplexes, garden suites, and low to mid rise housing seem like a way to add gentle density in a sustainable way. Maybe more residents would mean more customers for the independent businesses we all want to see succeed. It's obviously not the only factor, but it seems like an obvious one to start with.
As someone who lives in the area, I often read emails from the neighbourhood association (LBNA) that consistently focus on opposing new development and only focus on the negative (and tbh, sometimes misleading readers). I understand wanting to protect the character of the neighbourhood, but all their messaging leans too heavily on the potential downsides and it misses the good that can come about having new development and more people in a community.
Sure, change can be scary, but it doesn't have to mean cutting down every tree or completely changing the neighbourhood. The area has so much potential to be an incredible destination for families, visitors, and local businesses, and we've seen some really positive changes over the past few years. Lately, though, it feels like we've lost some of that momentum, and the recent business closures have just hit a nerve...
What do you all think?