Dear Editor,
It’s interesting how most recently we have had a proliferation of letters commenting on the problems created by the construction of mega homes in our neighbourhoods, particularly in lots with LUC bylaws.
Subject lines such as “Zoning out the light,” “One needs to consider existing homes,” “Island City – Without nature.”
Of course, as a regular reader you will know that mega home construction is not new; it was probably 20–25 years ago this all started, however the LUC discussion has a slightly different tone to it — that being the allowable construction of three-level homes, and the problems this brings to the older homes.
I often wonder when reading these letters if the folks at city hall ever review them and if they ever ponder what legacy they are leaving behind when they opt to leave their responsible positions. Frankly, I don’t really think they care. The city collects nice revenues from new home construction. I don’t think builders or construction guys care, as they are making good returns on the build and sell policy. I don’t think the banks care, as they make excellent returns on construction mortgages. And, finally, I don’t think realtors care, as we know the exorbitant commissions they make on a sale of a home in the $2 million to $3 million area, so they love it. So who really cares?
My thought is no one cares; you are on your own. And, as I said in an earlier letter, you are stuck with your lot. I have talked to far too many longtime residents of Richmond who have basically thrown in the towel and left the city. They have had it with our city of nature.
It’s a sad reflection on how things truly are in our city. We are building highrise apartment blocks like mad in the downtown core of Richmond — all approved and overseen by the city fathers/mothers. And for what reason? Are we trying to outsmart Surrey, and be the fastest growing city in the Lower Mainland? (And, of course, let’s build big and fast. It must be the thing to do, everyone else is doing it. However, let’s not have the foresight to improve roads etc.)
It’s the same scenario in the suburbs with ludicrous monster homes being built with no thought or consideration for our neighbours.
So, I say, give me back my LUC, and, when I’m ready, I will build that monster, line my pocket with a few bucks (just like all the other self-centred folks in the business) then skedaddle.
That’s the way of the 21st century, right?
David Currie
Richmond
