To the editor:
Re: “Vancouverites protest community plans,” Sept. 25.
There appears to be an incorrect assumption by some regarding the protest against the community plans last Tuesday evening.
Members of the Marpole Residents Coalition have NEVER said they are against densification. On the contrary, we support the densification along the main corridors, Granville, Oak and Cambie Street. It only makes sense!
What we strongly opposed is densification within those corridors — the rezoning of many single-family homes to townhouses, duplexes and six- and 12-storey apartment buildings. Many fear that such a plan would lead to an increase in taxes. Also, if a property is rezoned the selling price may actually be lower than expected due to a surplus of rezoned property.
In addition, such a plan would lead to more traffic due to the overcrowding of the Canada Line. We are told that more trains can be purchased and run closer together and that a third car could be added to each train which of course would mean the costly lengthening of each station platform.
Where is the money for that going to come from by an already cash strapped transit system with other priorities? Certainly not from the city!
The other main contention is the lack of consultation. Both the initial plan and the Jackson Report revisions were thrust upon us with no warning or opportunity to give our input. That is a very undemocratic way to run a city. We have the strong support of Coun. Adriane Carr on this issue.
As taxpayers and homeowners this is OUR community and we do not want it destroyed by a City Council that is only answerable to the developers!
Bob Loveless,
Vancouver
