An open letter to Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner.
I am writing in regards to an application to re-zone an area from one-acre residential to 57 three-storey townhouses. This will mean cutting down the majority of the trees that back the townhome that I live in.
I attended a public hearing on Oct. 3 to voice my concerns. There were other residents from my complex and many others with similar concerns about new development in their areas.
The majority were concerned about noise, increase of students in nearby schools and, mostly, about the loss of green space.
Citizens were saddened to know the green space they have been enjoying for years may disappear. One man talked about the wildlife he’s witnessed for years. A woman requested that the mature trees definitely get saved, noting sometimes a developer “accidentally” cuts them down.
Your response was that a developer is issued a fine if mature trees are cut. I wonder how much the developer cares about a fine? How does one ‘accidentally’ cut down a mature tree? Perhaps fine should be more substantial: replant the trees, no more developing and a fine. Clearly, if trees are “accidentally” getting cut down, the current fine is not effective.
Why am I writing this now?
I was discouraged. It seemed like it was protocol to let people talk but it didn’t really matter. I told people I was planning to write this letter and the responses I got were: “It’s not going to make a difference” and “It’s all about money and power.”
I recently stepped onto the patio to look at the greenery, when I heard my neighbour say to me: “Enjoy it while you can.” I was instantly saddened.
By demolishing so much of the green space, you have to know that people feel grief over this loss. To keep a few mature trees is not good enough. I wonder what the long-term effects will be on the stress levels of members in your community. Do you?
I invite you to see what I’m talking about. Come sit outside with me, have a cup of tea and just listen.
I urge you to really think about what you’re allowing. Could there be another way so some of the beauty can remain?
I truly hope so. I hope I’ll be listening to the birds in my backyard for years to come.
Kiren Klair, Surrey