Editor:
Re: Riverside protesters teed off at city, Nov. 4.
City councillors in Surrey must have very short memories, as it was barely a decade ago that they approved destruction of another nine-hole golf course.
Despite the fact that thousands of new residents who would need recreational facilities were about to move into the area, that green-space golf course was destroyed to make way for one of those other essentials of modern life, a Wal-Mart.
Despite presentations from the public running two-to-one against ‘development’ of that family-oriented facility – a nine-hole course, driving range and miniature golf – council members passed second and third readings, rubber-stamping and granting approval at two-something in the morning, while an audience of shocked citizens witnessed sheer arrogance.
This looks like another of those wishes-of-the-people-be-damned situations.
It sounds as though mayor and council have again got their minds made up, this time with humble-pie excuses offering the importance of “passive recreation” areas for the public. Do we really need another marshland to explore – especially when the Serpentine Fen is barely a kilometre down the road?
Come on, Surrey, lame excuses aren’t good enough. What would be so terrible about preserving a facility that offers active-recreational exercise in a parklike setting?
Reconsider this decision – or else figure out a way you can find some land where you can build another comparable golf course for the people who live in Surrey’s south end.
Heidi Greco, Surrey
• • •
An open letter to Surrey council.
I strongly disagree with the manner in which you are handling the expropriation of the Riverside Golf Centre in South Surrey.
I also strongly oppose the rezoning of agricultural and green space land in the Little Campbell River watershed to build a large truck parking lot.
In both cases, my wife, Meg, and I feel you have not only failed to consult with the local residents about your plan, but have violated the trust of your constituents in the area. Both of these parcels are a beautiful part of our community and offer value to thousands of local residents each year not to speak of vital wildlife habitat.
We ask that you consult the community and hold round-table discussions on these proposed developments.
We want to go on record as opposing both the expropriation and rezone, and plan to lend our voices by engaging our social networks, the media and community network on this if no sensible action is taken immediately.
Do the right thing, not the expedient thing.
Phil Watson, Surrey