Dear editor:
It is amazing that the City of North Vancouver meeting to permit a proposed development at 18th and St. Georges did not result in a public cry of outrage! As per the Nov. 23 report by Jeremy Shepherd, Consensus Greets CNV’s 100% Rental Project, it is almost a done deal. The proposed development will result in a net decrease in low-income housing units from 30 to 10 while increasing density from 30 to 96 units.
One has to ask if ordinary people are just giving up. Are we steamrolled by wealthy developers who can recruit lobbyists and smooth-talking professionals to support changes that are not in the local citizens’ best interests?
In the Nov. 21 city council meeting, a very small note was made that there were four letters in opposition (all by neighbours across the street from the proposed development).
Letters of support (mentioned twice) were from much farther afield (e.g., Point Grey).
The new development plans for 56 parking spots (at an undisclosed rental price) for 96 units. Of the 56 parking spots, 10 will be for visitors leaving only 46 for rental units.
The ability to walk to Lonsdale is no answer to the need for parking. If additional city parking permits for residents are sold by the city, how many cars can they expect would be parked along one street block? Yet these facts were seemingly overlooked by councillors.
Public transportation takes extra time and adds stress. Congestion on streets and sidewalks is increasing daily. Public transportation is very inadequate and still has not solved problems of transporting groceries and home goods.
Also very troubling is the view expressed by some councillors that this is just the beginning of a big wave for the future where any walk-up building of 30 years is a prime target to be demolished for newer, bigger, better built. Do they know walking upstairs is good for health? And why should buildings of only 30 or 40 years be considered “done?” There are still houses in the neighbourhood of more than 100 years that are well maintained and a credit to our local history.
The main conclusion I draw from the seeming lack of opposition to the proposed development is the general despair communities are feeling. Realty predators abound and ordinary folk are their prey. The bottom line that a reduction of 20 affordable housing units represents a “good” is a pretty slick sales job.
Sheila Ward
North Vancouver
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