DEAR EDITOR:
Re: City OK's tower, The Record, July 8.
I am extremely concerned about the long-term viability of my neighbourhood given that Ballenas Project Management has received approval to build a 21-storey building at 125 Columbia St.
What attracted me to this area, after living in North Burnaby for some 30 years, was the existence of character, livability, greenspace and parks, such as Albert Crescent Park, Tipperary Park and Queen's Park.
An aerial view of downtown New Westminster clearly shows the diminishing green space and the ongoing encroachment of concrete and glass. This little corner of New Westminster is the last remaining true greenspace neighborhood in the downtown core. It is a treasure and, as such, should be accorded the dignity, care and respect it deserves.
Mayor Wayne Wright states the site has been vacant for a long time and that doesn't provide a good image of the city for people coming into the downtown from that side of town. How did he come to this conclusion? The real question that needs to be asked and answered: Were his comments made to justify his vote to approve the zoning amendments, recognizing that he received $2,000 in a political contribution directly from Ballenas Project Management. I believe Mayor Wright's comments were not only facetious but personally offensive, given the circumstances.
Mayor Wright further states; in part, "on the other hand, my job is to take care of the entire city." I don't understand what Mayor Wright means when he offers such a convoluted and patronizing statement. Does he mean that he cares more than the residents of our neighbourhood do? I suppose when you factor in more infrastructure (traffic and
parking) problems, more pollution and noise, it seems to me that Mayor Wright could absolutely not care less!
Even council member Bob Osterman, in his vote against, stated in part that it would be a "concrete wall" at the entrance to that end of Columbia Street. Sometimes a few words are worth more than a picture.
Another developer has been before council, a few years earlier, seeking to develop a 20-storey highrise/townhouse complex a half a block away.
Mayor Wright and company (Cote, Harper and Williams) will also grant (legal precedence) zoning and parking amendments to them. Our lovely neighbourhood will then be eradicated and turned into a concrete and glass ghetto devoid of any charm, character or livability.
For me personally, the lack of Mayor Wright's ethical and moral compass is disconcerting enough, however, more disturbing is the existing neighbourhood character, sustainable greenspace and infrastructure viability that he has erased by a stroke of his pen.
In November, let us change New Westminster City Hall by electing people that truly (and honestly) care about us, our viewpoints and our neighbourhoods; they obviously do not. Think about it, it could be your neighbourhood next if they remain in office.
Micheal W. Flynn, Strata President NW 659, New Westminster
