Dear Editor:
Regarding the "death" of the Safeway redevelopment (Safeway Development Dead: Onni, Dec. 5, North Shore News): So, let me get this straight: Onni, a big, sophisticated, and apparently very successful land development company, is withdrawing its application to redevelop the Safeway site because of bruised feelings? Really? A big-name company like this is pulling the plug on a presumably big-moneymaking venture in which it has invested so much time, energy, money and effort because of blunt media scrutiny and political debate?
Hmm. Seems unusual, to say the least. Given the recent headlines on the rapidly deteriorating real estate market, I wonder whether this recent public bun fight is giving us the full story. Rest assured that, if there is money to be made in developing that site, it will be developed.
I am left wondering whether this withdrawal signals the start of another 2008/09-style freeze-up affecting land development generally. I sure hope not.
Yikes. Interesting times.
Trevor Wiebe North Vancouver resident
