Dear Editor,
Re: “Petition circulating against Steveston affordable homes,” Richmond-News.com, June 12.
We live in the Richmond Steveston area. When our family saw the proposal to build low-income housing in the vacant lot at the corner of Railway and Steveston, we were delighted.
We were so glad there was a plan to use public resources to provide housing to low-income women and children, who would otherwise be homeless.
However, over the past few days, we have encountered a very determined neighbour asking people to sign a petition against this wonderful project.
She cited a number of reasons, which are disturbingly false.
She says this housing is for addicts, which is a bad idea, because it is across from the street from the pub.
This housing isn’t specifically for addicts, so that is a blatant lie.
Even if it were for addicts, what is wrong with helping out our fellow citizen?
She says there isn’t enough parking, which ignores the fact that these people are probably too poor to own a car.
She says the transit isn’t adequate. There are four bus stops within a two-minute walking distance.
She says they should build townhouses instead of apartments. Why would we want to house fewer people?
The worse part about these blatant lies is that I have seen so many people signing this petition.
I hope more people speak up against this petition to tell the truth.
Mina Kaur
RICHMOND
