Dear Editor,
What should city council do with Onni Group’s $5.5 million rezoning payment?
Here is an idea worth considering.
They should use this $5.5 million windfall to partner with a reputable private developer to develop the city land at 7300 Elmbridge Way.
The development would be a mixed-use, multi-storeyed rental concrete block building including:
1. One third of market rental with minimum number of family units;
2. One third of units earmarked for low-income seniors;
3. One third of units earmarked for people with disability and people with mental illness or addictions;
4. Commercial space on the ground floor with reduced rent for the local community service groups such as Richmond Center for Disability;
5. A city-owned seniors activity centre or a child care facility.
This idea is realistic and very achievable. It’s a better proposal than the current proposal in front of city council to build 40 temporary modular homes at 7300 Elmbridge Way. It would provide permanent, better quality and more homes for the most vulnerable groups in our community in a location with excellent transit, walkability and access to amenities.
With 7300 Elmbridge Way current assessment value close to $15 million, let’s think big to maximize the community benefit potential of this lot and $5.5milliion payment from Onni. With proper planning, Richmond should benefit from a strong neighborhood and an effective social service network.
Lei Xie
RICHMOND
