To the editor:
Coun. Kerry Jang’s letter mentions that Jesse Johl is attacking city hall and implies that Mr. Johl speaks for Marpole. Mr. Johl does not speak for Marpole and never has. His opinions are clearly his own and not those of the Marpole Residents Coalition.
Jang is correct that politics should stay out of this but sadly they do not. City hall is actively using political strategies to fight groups that oppose the city’s community plans. Vision Vancouver wants to win the next election but they are in real danger of losing a tremendous number of votes if Vision councillors vote for the current rezoning plans. Trust me, this matter will become a real election issue come November 2014.
I find it interesting that Jang states that the “Vision council have been very clear in saying that if Marpole residents feel more time is needed for the community plan, we will extend the timeline.” It is worth noting that this was not verbalized until lawn signs started popping up, petitions were being signed and a rally took place, attended by 1,000 people exhibiting their disdain for the Marpole Community Plan. If the Marpole community had not mobilized, this new plan would have been a “fait accompli” on October 23, 2013.
I am the spokesperson for the Marpole Residents Coalition and we have continuously said we need consultation. The planning department has stated that they have consulted. According to the City’s website, 318 people out of approximately 22,000 residents commented on the plan in 2012. They have yet to release the results of their 2013 open houses. This does not sound like real consultation, it sounds like “We have a mandate and we know what is best for Marpole and the rest of the city.”
The city keeps saying it needs to densify for affordable housing but they do not clearly define what “affordable housing” means. It appears to mean rental housing. This was never mentioned in the plan. Can the city explain how the price of the land in Marpole is going to decrease? Can they tell us how many units are being built in the other 20 communities within the city? All these questions need answers before community plans are voted on!
Mike Burdick,
Marpole Residents Coalition