I am writing in response to Brent Richter’s (Oct. 28) article, Small Condo Triggers Big Debate at DNV Council.
As a small business owner in Edgemont Village (and neighbourhood resident) I thought I might contribute some actual man-on-the-street POV to some of the issues discussed in this article.
Conducting business here has become challenging for all of us, since the aptly described “tsunami of development” struck our community. As our residents seethe about the constant parking problems, the overwhelming traffic congestion, the rerouting of traffic patterns and street closures, it’s all we can do to soothe and reassure them that all will be “good” in the end, and their Village will have some resemblance to the place so beloved and cherished.
Meanwhile, our district hall – rather than protect what was a lively, viable, entrancing destination shopping district, unlike any other – has sold us out to developers in order to line their tax coffers with pieces of silver. They have cared not a wit what is happening to us merchants day to day.
That there is a moment’s consideration being given to allow yet another permit development is purely diabolical.
For Mayor Richard Walton to say that “60 or 70 per cent of the construction around Edgemont is going to be finished within three months” is so preposterous a statement, I have to wonder if he may have taken momentary leave of his senses. The Connaught (on Edgemont) development is just barely underway, and is a 2½-year project. Across the street from it, next to Highlands church, is the Boffo project, and they are just about to break ground. Further to that, Boffo has a second project waiting in the wings, on Highland Boulevard, directly behind the Amica seniors’ residence.
My guess would be he was referring to the (Delbrook, formerly Griffin) recreation centre, that has been in construction overtime for many months, and explains some traffic issues. Or maybe he was thinking of the Amica project at Woodbine and Highland finally nearing completion. Having both those projects finished will be a relief, but they will not give the Village, the merchants or its residents any respite from the construction hell we are currently swathed in, and working very hard, daily to negate.
The only light I can imagine that Mayor Walton sees at the “end of the tunnel,” is the glint off of all those new tax dollars he’s collecting.
Sharyn Webber
North Vancouver
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