City Coun. Niels Konge, a prominent developer, was voted unanimously to sit as the primary council representative on the , but at least one person in the community is questioning the ethics behind the decision.

An anonymous letter was left with SA国际影视传媒 last week highlighting comments from Konge as discussions took place in January about updating the zoning bylaw. During an exchange with municipal planning staff, Konge expressed concern over input from people who are opposed to development in their neighbourhood, or SA国际影视传媒渘ot in my backyardSA国际影视传媒� (NIMBY).

SA国际影视传媒淚 certainly donSA国际影视传媒檛 want to create a zoning bylaw where NIMBYism makes it harder to do anything .... I mean, the bylaw needs to be good for all of Yellowknife, not just a few people who are concerned about whatSA国际影视传媒檚 going on in their backyards,SA国际影视传媒� Konge said.

The person who wrote the letter stated that they consequently have SA国际影视传媒渘o expectation that my interests will be heard if I have cause to appeal a development decision.SA国际影视传媒�

The letter writer also left a copy of the City of Yellowknife's code of ethics.

Konge said on Thursday that people have their right to their opinion but that the criticisms arenSA国际影视传媒檛 warranted given that council gave a unanimous blessing for him to sit on the board, that he has experience working with the bylaw as a developer for two decades and that the public continues to have the right to provide input to the city regarding the zoning bylaw.

He was also a council representative on the board from December 2012 to November 2018, which stretched over his first and second terms on council.

SA国际影视传媒淭he development appeals board is there to ensure that the zoning bylaw is being followed by developers,SA国际影视传媒� Konge said. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 just like anything where everybody wears different hats. I believe I bring value to not only council, but also to any committee ISA国际影视传媒檓 on.SA国际影视传媒�

Konge had put his name forward for the board seat earlier this year as did Coun. Shauna Morgan. Both councillors made their cases in-camera where "there was a healthy discussion and debate and lots of pros and cons on all sides," according to one councillor NNSL spoke with. Konge was the winning councillor.

Morgan declined comment for this article.

SA国际影视传媒淚 definitely have an understanding of the zoning bylaw and use them more than most, and that was my pitch to my fellow councillors,SA国际影视传媒� said Konge. SA国际影视传媒淥bviously enough councillors supported me for that position that they gave me that position.SA国际影视传媒�

He added that with the community plan being passed last year, which involved several months of public input, and the zoning bylaw in the process of being updated for the first time in a decade, the city is focused on more infill development around the central core, which has elicited opposition from some residents.

SA国际影视传媒淲ith that, we're going to see more appeals and with those appeals I'm going to look at what grounds they are being appealed on and whether or not developers are following the bylaw,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Konge noted that some residents feel he shouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 even be a council member because of his occupation. He added that he has a good record of declaring conflict of interest, when necessary.

SA国际影视传媒淚f in the case of any development that comes to council for conditionally permitted use, for example, if that goes to appeal, I canSA国际影视传媒檛 sit on that appeal after having already been asked what my opinion as a councillor is,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

He added that if there is a building where a developer wants to construct a 25-metre building and the zoning bylaw states the maximum requirement is 15-metres, he is obliged to reject the project brought forward by the developer.

Coun. Robin Williams was among elected members to support Konge.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think everyone is entitled to their opinion but I think for myself, I looked at him (Konge) not only because of his knowledge of the industry but also that he is one of our longest sitting councillors and has had the benefit of seeing multiple appeals and how they go through,SA国际影视传媒� Williams said. There are SA国际影视传媒減retty dramatic changesSA国际影视传媒� happening as new the zoning bylaw is being developed and he said he felt it was SA国际影视传媒渋mportant to have that experience to draw upon.SA国际影视传媒�

Williams agreed with Konge that there has been NIMBYism when it comes to development plans and added that Konge can "articulate various sides of the equation" relating to development appeals.

According to the city, it's council's responsibility to appoint who sits on the board, which also consists of a chairperson and at least two members of the public. There are currently seven members on the board.

When a hearing takes place, a minimum of three people have to be present.

SA国际影视传媒淐ouncillor appointments to boards and committees are reviewed annually by council,SA国际影视传媒� stated Alison Harrower, media spokesperson for the city.

Harrower added that residents are encouraged to contact the city clerkSA国际影视传媒檚 office by email or phone with any concerns regarding the development appeal board or the appeal process.

SA国际影视传媒 attempted to speak to Mayor Rebcca Alty for this article but she was unavailable Thursday.