Dear Editor,
After attending Tuesday evening’s planning committee meeting at Richmond City Hall. I find myself extremely disappointed by our elected decision-makers.
On the issue of mega house construction, councillors voted against city staff recommendations. Councillors voted against the professional advice of the city’s own Advisory Design Panel (independent architects appointed to provide a sober second opinion and protect the public on issues affecting the built environment). And councillors voted against the concerns expressed by residents who participated in the July 8 public workshop. Instead, councillors sided with the interests of builders and proceeded to grant additional concessions to the development community beyond what was proposed. What was observed is simply business as usual at city hall.
I will continue to advocate for a greener, more progressive and more sustainable approach to neighbourhood planning. I will also advocate for better management of our resources and activities in ways that are forward looking and address the most pressing concern that faces our city — adapting to climate change.
It is proving to be very difficult to work with the people who have been elected to city council because their views on Richmond’s future look nothing like the vision that is the City’s Official Community Plan.
John Terborg
Richmond
