The Editor, An open letter to Richmond City Council re: "Onni seeks rezoning - again," News, April 9. In my opinion, the mayor and the current slate of councillors have a last chance in the final year of their current term to leave behind a legacy for future generations or a hodge potch of shopping areas in Steveston.
The legacy would be to build a pleasure boat marina on the two acres that council owns in front of the Onni properties.
This would encourage businesses to locate in the buildings that are zoned for maritime use.
Moorage space for pleasure boats is in great demand and at present most marinas are full. Steveston harbour has a waiting list for moorage for pleasure craft.
The legacy would be to have a 25,000 sq ft public library and other amenities that would benefit present and future generations.
It would be a failure for this council and certain council members to rezone these buildings for retail use and devastate the businesses operating currently in the Steveston downtown core.
Once rezoned, it will be gone forever. Business that are barely getting by certainly do not need more businesses on the waterfront that would draw away customers from the core.
If all the businesses in Steveston were polled by council directly and not a consultancy firm that is being paid by the developers, council would find overwhelming opposition to the idea of rezoning to retail, but would find 100 per cent support for maritime and community use.
So Mr. Mayor and councillors, what is the legacy that you will leave behind for the present and future generations of Steveston?
Iqbal Abdul Ladha Steveston Marine & Hardware
