The Editor,
Re. "Towering concerns on Austin" (The Tri-City News, June 1).
I think the message Coquitlam council should have received from the May 30 public hearing is that the majority of Austin Heights residents do not want a 24-storey tower in their neighbourhood.
This type of planning may have taken years but it is very poor planning in terms of managing growth and it lacks consideration for the community.
Council has now heard the concerns of residents and has asked staff to work on addressing them. My concern is that too often, Coquitlam council has disregarded public input or the issue gets re-addressed behind closed doors. Unless someone is staying on top of the issue, which is practically a full-time job minus the pay, it can be difficult for residents to remain informed, especially when our council is about as transparent as a brick wall.
What it boils down to time and time again is a mistrust of this council. If Coquitlam council were to be graded on their track record for respectful community engagement and consultation, it would fail.
Jane Thomsing, Coquitlam
