Editor, The News:
I was surprised to learn from a TransLink engineer last week that the new, $817,000 sound wall leading to the Golden Ears Bridge will not buffer noise much different than the existing one.
This information was given to people in Pitt Meadows, but a decision was made to build a new wall.
If this information is fact, and the existing wall is sold to Metro Vancouver, as planned, the sale will not recover tax dollars.
Taxpayers fund both TransLink and Metro.
When the original cost of the existing wall (say $500,000) is added to the cost to remove it – dismantle, transport, store, along with professional and administrative fees – it appears this is a very expensive project, with little or no benefit to taxpayers.
Why replace the wall?
Before the Maple Ridge industrial park was established, both local councils agreed a sound barrier berm would be built between the industrial area and Pitt Meadows residents, east of the Katzie Slough.
Could investigation, insight, planning, free material, tipping fees (same as paid to Pitt Meadows airport) have completed an improved, environmentally friendly sound berm, with trees and shrubbery to filter exhaust gases?
Should mayors and councillors be responsible for decisions with little benefit to taxpayers?
Who represents Pitt Meadows on TransLink? And at what cost?
Ken Joyner
Pitt Meadows
Editor’s note: Maple Ridge Mayor
Ernie Daykin represents Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation.