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Letter: Richmond, concrete City by Nature

Dear Editor and Richmond City Council, I attended the recent council meeting regarding the home size bylaw. Thank you to Couns. Carol Day and Harold Steves for their progressive views in voting no to the proposed amendments.

Dear Editor and Richmond City Council,

I attended the recent council meeting regarding the home size bylaw.

Thank you to Couns. Carol Day and Harold Steves for their progressive views in voting no to the proposed amendments.

I am tremendously disappointed at the disregard for the citizens’ opinions about the megahomes, obviously favouring a niche of developers in passing the minimal amendments to the building bylaw, which does not address the severity of the issues presented at the community meetings.

You seemed to be surprised at the level of building permits that you issue a year — 400!

Most of which, I presume, to be for new homes.

At this current rate, we should start changing the label from Garden City to Concrete City, as it was obvious at the meeting that mega homes is what the market wants. Who is saying so? 

Hmmmm, it seems to be a niche of developers and realtors that cater to a luxurious market.

It is disappointing that the city has proven to be inefficient in not monitoring the abuses regarding uncounted space, again favouring the developers.

As well, I am disappointed that you went against your own city planners in not following their recommendations.

It was not clear at the meeting what was your rationale for doing so. 

What transpires is the siding with the developers. Hmmmm, I wonder why.

The city is grossly responsible for fementing neighbourhood divide.

We should welcome new homes that will improve our communities, not fear them.

I hear many negative comments about the owners and builders of the new mega homes.

The anger should be directed at the city for not creating guidelines that attempt to preserve communities while allowing for change.

Someone’s dream home should  not be the neighbour’s nightmare.

How can people be welcomed to neighbourhoods when their megahomes steal other people’s privacy and sunshine?

I pick up garbage from the street and dispose it.

I compost and conserve water and take good care of my garden.

I came to love this city with its beautiful gardens and friendly neighbourhoods.  

Yet, your management is responsible for the erosion of this very community that I am part of building and preserving.

 Elaine Beltran-Sellitti

Richmond