Editor, The News:
Re: Year in Rearview: New design coming for Pitt business park (The News, Dec. 30).
I am a long-time resident of Pitt Meadows.
I recently overheard a conversation about the proposed business park expansion, and the gist of the conversation was that the park would destroy a “natural setting” and drive wildlife away.
I understand that Pitt Meadows has over 20,000 acres of land, with much of it in parks, dikes, agricultural, and conservation.
Correct me if I’m wrong about the size of the natural and undeveloped land all around us, but the notion that a business park in South Bonson would somehow compromise wildlife or destroy a natural setting makes no sense at all.
Some other points to ponder:
• the business park has been in the official community plan since at least 2000;
• Airport Way and the entrance to the Golden Ears Bridge was constructed with the airport and industrial traffic in mind;
• more residential housing would actually cost the city more than it would bring in since residences demand more services and facilities than industry or commercial development;
• every city needs jobs close to home and Pitt Meadows is no exception;
• there is very little land left in Pitt Meadows that is suitable for industrial development;
• in or about 2013, council received a petition with more than 1,500 signatures from all over Pitt Meadows demanding a tax break.
The business park expansion would create jobs and provide a healthy tax revenue for years to come.
Most cities would welcome such an opportunity to provide future prosperity.
Robert Collings
Pitt Meadows
