Dear Editor:
We attended an open house/workshop about the planned Lower Lynn Town Centre development on June 27, and quite frankly were shocked by what we heard and saw being proposed: high-density condo towers - including three 25-storey buildings near Fern Street and Mountain Highway - glass and steel, a huge population influx, commercial/retail zoning in what used to be a quiet neighbourhood of single-family homes, and disruption caused by non-stop road and residential construction for the next 20 years.
We are not NIMBYs, nor are we axiomatically opposed to change, and we understand that neighbourhoods and communities must always evolve; however, what is being proposed is not an evolution but an extreme makeover.
If you're not aware of what is planned for several areas in the District of North Vancouver, including Lower Lynn, for the next two decades, I strongly urge you to view information about the project on the district's website: www.dnv. org.
The three 25-storey towers are just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some of the questions I believe need answering:
1) Why is it presumed that we must increase the population of the North Shore?
2) What is the earthquake risk for tall towers built on alluvial land?
3) Is there sufficient capacity in remaining elementary and secondary schools for the anticipated increase in population?
4) How will this development not have deleterious effects on the delicate riparian environment of Lynn Creek?
5) Who pays for the infrastructure costs of water, sewage, etc.?
6) What is the plan for traffic diverted to Main Street and Keith Road during the Lower Road redevelopment, while there is heavy construction work going on along Mountain Highway at the same time?
7) Last but not least, what is the position of the First Nations who own housing directly adjacent to this area?
If you have concerns about any aspects of this development, please attend the next public info event Saturday, July 14 at Seylynn Park at Mountain Highway and Fern Street, 9 a.m.noon - or let district council know how you feel. It's not too late.
Leslie Myers and Family North Vancouver
