Dear Editor:
There are two huge issues that are wreaking havoc on the streets of the City of North Vancouver.
One is horrendous traffic, the other is parking. The policies causing the constant traffic congestion is the subject of another letter. We see such things as parking lots being turned into condos and parking spots on main streets taken away for sidewalk dining, and it goes on.
Did anyone notice recently that plans for a new condo development on Chesterfield Avenue in the Central Lonsdale area passed council?
Thirty-four units and only 17 parking spots. Now that is at least 17 more cars but we know that most young working couples have two vehicles, which now puts 34 more cars on the streets in that little neighbourhood.
I’m a big fan of supporting local businesses, but when is the last time you tried to park on Lonsdale or even on the streets off Lonsdale. So what happens? One goes to one of the big malls to shop where you are guaranteed a parking spot.
If I had a business on Lonsdale or an adjacent street, I would be absolutely furious as this kind of planning most of our council seems to endorse. You won’t patronize any business or other service providers in the area if you can’t park. I know that in the past, in order to obtain permission to build, the developer had to provide not only parking for every owner but adequate visitor parking too. What happened to that sensible policy?
Every day on our side street adjacent to Lonsdale I see at least six different companies parking their commercial vehicles for storage on city streets. Kudos to those councillors who have the wisdom to vote against such ridiculous projects as the 34-suite, 17-parking spot condo. And to those who support this type of action that is causing such havoc? There is the next election.
Doug Gavin
North Vancouver
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