ee enementeeaenactenesaanend MAIL Box Friday, February 25, 2000 — North Shore News - 9 Criticism of transit committee countered Dear Editor: Re: Sue Cook’s Feb. 6 let- ter to the News editor (The public needs to take contro! of transit decisions). As chairman of the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) for the North Shore Area Transit Plan, 1 was disappoint- ed to read Ms. Cook’s letter because her attirude and com- ments disparage the commit- tee as a whole and shed an unfair and negative light on the contributions of the PAC’s members. The PAC is composed of volunteers from the different municipalities of the North Shore who are asked to pro- vide value-based input into a process thar will determine and prioritize uansit service enhancements for our region and adjacent regions. It must be emphasized tiat this is a process and all mem- bers of the PAC were made aware of what that process involved through the receipt of well-defined terms of rerer- ence. Ms. Cook's fetter raised questions regarding TransLink administration and planning costs, vehicle purchasing and operation decisions, which are hot germane to our conunit- fee. In addition, in Ms. Cook's editorial submission she states that public input into transit decisions is hampered. This is not the case, as public consul- tation, which has occurred and will continue, is an integral part of developing our area plan. In addition, PAC members can contact TransLink repre- sentatives with their concerns, which Ms. Cook has done many times. As a committee we are asked to provide feedback and prioritize public input. On Jan. 27 a compilation of ser- vice options gathered from the public and volunteer groups was distributed to all of our PAC members. Two items in the package, which Ms. Cook mentioned in her letter, dealt with the issue of security at Phibbs Exchange and the 210 Lynn Valley bus route. Ms. Cook also had the opportunity to address these issues. Instead she chose to voice her opinions through the media in a manner that deval- ues the work of fellow com- mittee members who aspire to contribute to their community in good faith. While Ms. Cook may feel that her answers will solve transit users concerns, she should respect a process in which other citizens have equally valid ideas. [t is obvious from Ms. Cuok’s letter that she is cynical about the process. 1 only wish she had apprised herself of her cynicism earlier, making her committee position available to someone who wished to bring about better transit ser- vice in a constructive and respectful manner. W. David Brierley Chairman, Public Advisory Committee North Shore Transit Plan Representative of North Vancouver City Neighbourhood character threatened Dear Editor: On Feb. 15 North Vancouver District’ council held a public input evening with respect to the proposed rezoning of Edgemont West — roughly the area between Edgemont Village and Capilano Road. Council claims that a pub- lic survey demonstrates that district residents favour hous- es up to 30 feet high. ince most homes in this area are post-war style, with roof heights ranging between 11 and 20 feet, the construc- tion of such monster houses will surely ruin the character of Edgemont West. ‘That’s bad enough, but other district neighbourhoods are soon: to be rezoned as well, and. it appears that some council members would like to see 39-foot-high houses through- out the district. I took time off work to ~ review all the surveys returned by residents in my neighbour- Sofa or Levesoat Your Choice : ‘gage *499°° Wing ! }: Chair 399° 100 Fabrics to choose from 5pes. All wood (Pine) ‘Hitchen Set _ 1pe °399°° | Deluxe Sela yes 92499 hood of Forest Hills, and [ can tell you that many resi- dents are alarmed over the bulk and height of houses suggested in the proposed bylaw. The new zoning suggested by the district would see hous- es built lor Hine to lot line, and paving 50% of what little remains. Treed tots, front yards, gardens and lawns would no longer exist — if the district has its way. North Vancouver residents are proud and protective of the character of their neigh- bourhoods, especially their ambience, greenery, view- scapes, tranquility and quaint- ness. There is an appreciation of the necessity tor change, because of the age of many homes, but residents appear confident that homes can be renovated or replaced without compromising this character peovided that monster homes are not permitted. Clearly, Sofa Bed with Deluxe Sleeper “pes *41199 Large Dining Room Set Select from six colours. Oval or Reetangutar shape—your choice. Six chairs. has *49S29 Bedroom Suits Select from six colours. residents do not want houses 30 feet high. sone interesting points were raised at the Edgemont West public hearing, including the validity of the surveys upon which some council members rely in advocating monster houses. The survey language was misleading, and the questions were ambiguous and slanted to elicit a desired response. For example, they asked if residents wanted to maintain the existing permitted miaxi- mum 30-foot roof heights. In fact, the maximum permitted roof height is the height of the existing house. The maxi- mum 30-foot height relates only to vacant lots — a rarity in 50-year-old neighbour- hoods. Mayor Don Beil finally acknowledged at the hearing that the surveys were “flawed,” though he believes the results are accurate. My belief is that this | We design and manufacture ail our furniture. 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