Dear Editor:
In the May 23 edition of the North Shore News a letter penned by Danielle Mervin, Lonsdale Development Has Exciting Potential, refers to a development proposal by Onni Group of the Safeway site at Lonsdale and 13th, and offers support for these types of very high density projects. Onni is seeking a square foot ratio of almost twice the density allowed under the current official community plan.
Perhaps it should be pointed out that Mervin is the sister of Dionne Delesalle, the Onni development manager - who crafted the letter for her and others - and that she will not be affected by the increased traffic and congestion in Central Lonsdale since she lives in Lower Lonsdale.
As to her voting for Coun. Buchanan and others that are supportive of higher density, again one should know that the Onni Group contributed to the election campaigns of Buchanan and Mayor Darrell Mussatto, both of whom voted for the project going to proceed to the Town Hall Meeting stage at the May 7 council meeting.
There are significant safety and livability reasons to scale down Onni's current proposal for the Safeway site. The increased traffic that will be produced in an area which already has the added burden of vehicles from the ambulance station, fire hall, hospital and police station will become a danger for all who live here.
Of course there will be a large development at this site, no sensible person would be opposed, but it certainly should not be of the density currently requested by Onni.
Christine Gurin North Vancouver
