Dear Editor:
Many thanks to the lady who attended the early public input meeting on the proposed 17-storey development at 161 East Keith Rd., North Vancouver. Her letter was published in your Jan. 22 issue. The writer makes many valid points. I have a couple more. A density transfer from what is essentially a boulevard is ridiculous. Was there ever density potential in a boulevard, even if it is slightly triangular? The inside curve city land involved is not a piece of land that can be developed, thus I argue there is no density to transfer. It is time North Van folk voted for amalgamation if the city council has nothing more to occupy themselves with than density transfers from postage stamp-sized pieces of land. A council representing the whole of North Vancouver would have a broader perspective - the whole of North Vancouver. The issue of traffic flow would perhaps be more easily addressed. I intend to vote for an amalgamation candidate in the fall 2014 municipal elections.
I also agree with the writer of the previous letter that this proposal sets a precedent. Next there will be density transfers from Victoria Park itself!
Victoria Park is city land, as is the boulevard in front of 161 East Keith Rd. Tall towers around Victoria Park especially on the south side, as this is, will put the Victoria Park into day-long shade. Some park. Some green necklace. The land belongs to the people; it is not council's to give away piece by little piece without consultation. Official Community Plans should have some legal force, not be a point of departure.
Many thanks to the North Shore News for their coverage.
Susan Christou
North Vancouver
