Dear Editor: Thank you for the Dec. 18 article about the proposed redevelopment by Lynn Valley United Church of its current site. The church has been working with District of North Vancouver staff on this project for about five years now and it is exciting to see it finally come before council. It will be wonderful both for us and for the community to have a beautiful new church and attractive housing on this site; presently, it is a bit of an eyesore and not worthy of the good things that go on inside of it.
The article noted that, "the reduced site space may put the future of the church's childcare space in jeopardy." While the church is not the owner or operator of the daycare, but simply the landlord, we have been committed from the project's early stages to working with the daycare owner. Church representatives, district staff, and Marcon Developments have worked diligently to obtain alternative space for the daycare, which will be funded by a community amenity contribution from the church.
The proposed redevelopment envisions the replacement of the existing aging building and crumbling parking lot with a 75-unit low-rise apartment building and new church designed to meet the needs of the congregation and wider community. In addition, four of the units will be sold at 50 per cent of market value to the North Shore Disability Resource Centre to provide accommodation for people with disabilities.
LVUC, as a community of faith, believes the redevelopment represents a wise stewardship of resources and a way to continue service to the Lynn Valley community, which began in 1911, well into a second century.
Walter Wright
North Vancouver
