The Editor,
Re: "Don't build it, they won't come," Letters, Feb. 27.
Not building it will not prevent people from coming. Richmond's location, adjacent to Vancouver, close to the airport (which, believe it or not, is considered a good thing), and surrounded by the Fraser River, are the reasons why so many people want to live here.
As for "not building it," there's this little thing called "economics," and the laws of supply and demand. Restricting supply while demand increases will do nothing except increase prices. Affordability is already a major factor in the Lower Mainland and supply restriction will only exacerbate the situation.
People seem afraid of density; something which I cannot fathom. Perhaps it's the fact that Richmond has, for so many of the years which people like Linda Martens have lived here, been a vast, unbroken tract of single-family neighbourhoods - by far the most unsustainable form of housing.
With density, comes greater community services, increased walkability, better transit service, more stores and restaurants, and significantly increased sustainability.
Yes, people need green space. And frankly, if you can't find it in Richmond, you're simply not looking. Bike paths, neighbourhood parks, the dyke system, greenbelts, and big new parks (like Terra Nova) are all within close reach.
City Councils are elected to consider the big picture over the long term.
While NIMBYs crave the status quo, our leaders must make decisions for everyone, including my children, who will never be able to afford to live in Richmond, if people like Linda Martens have their way.
Mark Sakai Richmond
