Richmond - The Editor, I was disappointed that, when attending the recent town hall of the new Richmond Community Coalition, there was no mention of the "elephant in the room" in our city.
While improved bike lanes would be great, the major issues I hear discussed by residents are the rapid growth without adequate planning of services for the increased population and the destruction of neighbourhoods.
It is disheartening to see long-time residents feeling forced to move away from Richmond, but even more the adult children, who cannot afford the housing.
I am also surprised that there is not more outcry from residents who have to deal with huge tax bills caused by the building of a much larger home next door that may stay unoccupied for long periods.
In what way is this a good thing for Richmond? Bigger is not always better and neither is growth for growth's sake.
I would love to see a new political movement in Richmond that does not spout the same old rhetoric and is not dominated by the realtors and developers, who, it seems to me, are the only ones really benefitting from the current municipal policies.
Mary Phillips
Richmond
