The Editor,
An email sent to Coquitlam mayor and council:
As you know, central Coquitlam has undergone significant development over the past few years and we are the latest residents to feel the pain. When the home behind us sold, we accepted the fact that in all probability the trend would continue and this small home would be demolished and replaced with a larger one.
When the 50-plus-year-old trees on the lot were removed, we remained optimistic, thinking this would bring new light into our yard where our vegetable garden has become our labour of love since retirement.
Since that time, all other trees and hedges have also been removed and the foundation for the home has been completed. We are beginning to see the shape this home will take, which is hard not to do, given it is situated only 10 feet from our shared fence.
Other property owners in the neighbourhood are also in shock, some of whom have been residents for longer than the 32 years we have enjoyed in this once beautiful, peaceful, green community.
Earlier this summer, we enjoyed the serenity of our backyard, watched our garden grow and photographed the many birds that visited each day. We now watch in horror as this massive structure takes shape and our sanctuary, and that of the birds, has been stripped away.
We are saddened by the loss of the home we once knew and the impact we will feel in the value of the property, and can’t help thinking that the city of Coquitlam’s only objective is to increase property tax revenue with no regard for the environment or residents.
We are left wondering, how could the city of Coquitlam have allowed this to happen?
Brenda Gable, Coquitlam
