Dear Editor,
Re: “Debate turns to compensation,” News, Oct. 18.
This saga has been going on for far too long.
The City of Richmond made a fundamental mistake when it issued a commercial permit to Onni in order for them to develop a maritime-themed complex on the river-front property that they own.
The city knew, or should have known, at the time that Onni had other intentions.
Who at the city, if anyone, carried out a due diligence of the Onni proposal before the original permit was issued?
This development has been tossed around like a rag doll by so many officials, authorities and the public that it has become a legend rather than a reality.
The City of Richmond has a responsibility to its residents, and particularly the residents of Steveston, to stop procrastinating and to correct their own error.
Onni does not deserve any special concessions.
It should have been required to build a fully self-contained marina as part of the original plan.
Onni has very deep pockets, so hold them responsible for the full cost of rezoning as they have requested.
The maritime theme is dead in the water, and it is time to move on.
It is well known that Onni, apparently, has plans to build at least one more level of condominium units on the current site.
Alan Johnson
Richmond
