The Editor,
Re. “PoMo OKs TOD plan for Moody Centre in 4-3 vote” (The Tri-City News, Dec. 1).
Development is the main topic in Port Moody these days.
Let’s start with the official community plan, the blueprint for future development in our city. I have a different name for the OCP; it is a 264-page tool that gets amended a lot lately. It should be called “obvious coalition plan” (city council and developers versus citizens). Public input is advocated but not seriously taken into consideration.
A prime example is a sign of a public meeting regarding a possible land use change, for Suter Brook Village Parcel D. No time or place, just a date is given. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the process. Public meetings are announced with the minimum notice required by law.
Mayor Mike Clay and councillors Diana Dilworth, Barbara Junker and Meghan Lahti just voted in favour of the Port Moody transit-oriented development plan. Councillors Hunter Madsen, Zoe Royer and Robert Vagramov voted against it.
The city’s vision statement, in case you forgot: City of the Arts, safe, vibrant waterfront, with strong neighbourhoods, sustainable, values its natural environment and heritage character.
And all that with many more highrises. If we keep going at the current pace, We will look like Metrotown, Yaletown, the West End, Surrey Centre or Coquitlam Centre.
How can we keep up with additional transportation infrastructure, expanded community facilities (hospitals, schools, recreation centres, seniors’ centres, park space and employment space) and maintain or increase the green space per capita?
I am not against higher density along the Evergreen Extension, but within reason and with more forethought.
H. Zimmermann, Port Moody
