Re: "Gardeners fear their paradise will be paved," Oct. 19.
There's something missing in all the discussion of the "widening" of Malkin Avenue adjacent to Cottonwood and Strathcona gardens: How much will it cost?
Estimates of demolishing the viaducts are around $100 million and there's way more to this proposal than simply widening. Malkin is a dead end at both ends and property purchase or expropriation would surely be necessary to bring a through connection about, not to mention construction of an overpass to Clark Drive, which is way above current grade levels. If options are being weighed here why not include National Avenue in the study? It is one block south of Malkin and already provides access to Main Street. Either way, capital cost estimates are essential so taxpayers in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»can determine whether or not they're being taken for a ride with this project.
Ian MacRae, Vancouver
