To the editor:
Re: "The time for 'thin streets' is now," Aug. 8.
Why is it that columnists like Allen Garr can easily dismiss the complaints of responsible citizens, who have forsaken other options in life in order to acquire a home and pay for it by their labours, in favour of those who did not similarly help themselves?
The euphemism "affordable housing" really means subsidized housing. Please have Garr explain to an owner, whose property abuts a civic street, how and why this imaginary affordable housing will not affect his current property value.
Perhaps the homeowner who has paid more for a corner lot, before these socialists planners plop a house next to that house without any consideration of the lost value to the existing homeowner, might actually feel he is being taken advantage of by the fortunate and undeserving social welfare recipients whose unwarranted aspirations are promoted by the holy grail of equality without equal commitment.
The city can't create value by fiat and the stroke of a pen. The city can only impinge on current owners by lowering the value of their house and placing people who can't sacrifice and afford a property in the neighbourhood with a leg up that will engender such a backlash that open discontent between property owners will become the norm.
Rick Angus, Vancouver
