Editor, The News:
Re: District buys downtown lots (The News, Jan. 26).
Finally, I can actually appreciate a Council, the first since the Carl Durksen era, when Memorial Park and all the structures were put in.
The improvements to 224th Street and connecting highway pieces, the bright new Westminster Savings building, a much better picture than a three-quarter empty parking lot. Impressive.
Now, the recent giant purchase of connecting land on 119th Avenue means council really is staying the course on doing something about the downtown core.
With fear of exhibiting egotism, I was part of closing down the infamous Northumberland Court, and involved in the proposal and construction of Callaghan Plaza just off of 224th Street –a business and residential complex that our association is proud of, thus doing my bit to improve the area. News of the hotel proposal right across the street on Callaghan truthfully makes me beam.
So, Mayor Daykin and councillors, keep up the good work. Do not for a minute look to any big-box retail in that area. None of them worth their salt, as we say, would even consider it.
Your latest acquisition must develop as open to pedestrians and friendly to small business.
Ignore your naysayers, you’re on the right track.
Lorne Riding
Maple Ridge