Editor, The News:
Re: Modular housing site selected for downtown Maple Ridge.
It has been announced that the provincial government has purchased a location for modular housing to relocate the people from Anita’s Place Tent City.
As a business owner in the area, I would like to share my concerns on the matter.
I find it very unfair that the hard-working business people who have invested their hard-earned money into their businesses are being taxed like they were privileged now to have the government drop a homeless community next to this thriving commercial district.
I should note that this area of town, between 226th Street and Royal Crescent, once a run-down area of Maple Ridge, has been cleaned up by the merchants and the area and is thriving again.
I have never been against anyone having a roof over their head, but why should it be at the expense of the very people who pay taxes to support the homeless.
My point is, you should not drop a homeless community into an established business and apartment area and expect the businesses to survive.
I suggest that the modular housing should be moved to a property in Coquitlam known as the Riverview or Essondale property.
Another suggestion would be to purchase 25 to 100 acres on the outskirts of Maple Ridge and zone 25 of it in the centre for modular housing and put the balance of the remaining acres with up zoning for sale to the development community.
The people buying the property would be aware of what the facility is and the developer could build homes or apartments.
The buyers of the homes and apartment suites would either accept it or not move there. After selling off the remaining acres, the government would get the space for the modular housing for next to nothing.
Bully boy tactics by the NDP without consultation with Maple Ridge Council and local business people will not work.
I hope that you take my concerns regarding this matter seriously.
David Telep
Maple Ridge