Dear Editor,
Re: “Crowd favours sign bylaw,” News, March 18.
The foreign sign workshop is a good start to a much needed discussion, but is only the tip of the iceberg.
A much bigger problem and just as important, is the over-development of our city with mega houses. I applaud the recent efforts of those who are striving for sensible, “positive” development as reported in the recent articles on house sizes and demolition fees.
More immediate action by city council has to be taken regarding land use contracts, zoning rules, issuing of permits and salvage/recycling regulations.
My personal experience with, and observation of, good homes being trashed with nothing salvaged, predatory real estate agents, developers competing with other buyers, houses covering the entire back yard offering views (for existing residents) of a massive wall, houses fenced in by substantial structures incompatible with the existing neighbourhood is almost enough to make long time residents want to move.
But why should we have to?
Our community should not be just about greed, wealth, opportunism, profit and crazy growth; but rather should be about harmony, integration, understanding, inclusiveness and respect for all, INCLUDING long time residents.
It is a tall order but our mayor and council owe us at least that much.
N. McDonald
Richmond
