Editor:
I attended Tuesday’s second open house for development of the White Rock Muffler site and was thrilled to see the anchor project for the future, and badly needed, rejuvenation of Marine Drive.
Many attendees saw problems such as fear of depreciation of their home values. If new buildings and new development devalue real estate, then the City of Vancouver must be kidding us all with their globe-leading real estate valuations and Grandview Corners is a mirage.
Fear is the operative word in White Rock. Our council pandered to fear in the last election and consequently changed the OCP in 2009, restricting building heights on West Beach. As a result, there have been no proposals for new buildings including the withdrawal of plans for a boutique hotel and parking areas that would have met the requirements of the prior OCP.
The muffler-shop project is a stark reminder that much of Marine Drive is a borderline slum with buildings past their functional life and currently 12 businesses for sale to join those already gone.
A new development built to seaside beach-town design guidelines will act as a template for future development that can bring White Rock, the most beautiful site on the south coast, to its full potential.
All that is needed is a council with more backbone than self-interest.
Larry Robinson, White Rock
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The people of White Rock have fought for years to maintain the height restrictions on the oceanfront.
Last city election, a slate was run of candidates who were against just this sort of thing happening.
If six storeys are allowed it will only be the beginning, as there will be many more developers along the waterfront asking for similar concessions. Is this the White Rock you wish to see?
I have been a property owner and voter in White Rock for 45 years; why do we keep fighting this issue? We have rules in place to restrict building height, we must ensure these restrictions are enforced.
I live next door to this proposed development. If six storeys are allowed, it means that not only will I lose all of the view from my property, but more importantly the light which I depend on for my flowers, herbs, fruit and nut trees, as well as my vegetable garden.
Council has been allowing people to cut trees to preserve their views, but when I called the city I was told they really were not too concerned with me losing my view.
I worked hard for 45 years to pay for my home. I maintain it in good repair. It is one of the oldest houses in White Rock. My home was built using original timbers from the forests of the area; it is strong and stable. My yard and garden are a delight and home to many species of birds. Finally, I was able to retire hoping to enjoy the environment I shaped these many years.
I chose this neighbourhood to live in and I do not want to see its character destroyed by greed.
Traffic is a serious problem. I understand they are asking to have two levels of underground parking. This is ludicrous on a flood plain; remember the previous floods. This parkade would have to exit out onto one of three heavy-traffic streets – Buena Vista, Oxford or Marine Drive – all of which would pose considerable problems.
These properties are home to a number of magnificent trees, one of which is a beautiful plum tree that is in full bloom right now. What will happen to these trees?
On another note, you may have noticed all the small businesses that have had to close their doors down here this year. All we need is more empty stores!
If this proposal goes through, it is only the thin edge of the wedge. This is a historic waterfront decision that will shape the future.
Noreen Schmitt, White Rock
