Re: More highrises for Metrotown, Burnaby NOW, Aug. 15
The highrises built in Metrotown in the 1990s were in the 20-to 30-storey range. At street level, there were pleasant lawns, shrubs and flower gardens. What we see now are buildings reaching 40 and proposed 50 to 70 floors The newer buildings at street level now have boxy clusters of town houses instead of landscaping. Developers say this configuration will make the properties more secure - and what the developers don't say is that they will make them richer. Esthetics are being ignored and Burnaby is becoming more cluttered and a more stressful place to live.
In my opinion, the concept of ecodensity has been oversold and is creating a less livable Metrotown. Infrastructure, transit and recreation facilities are already at capacity.
The developers are laughing all the way to the bank. Where is the Burnaby city council and where are the planners? Maybe they needed more public consultation. Is it too late? Maybe!
Gerald Week, Burnaby
