CivicScene's first opinion piece for the Vancouver Sun appears in today's edition of the newspaper.

For weeks, the actions of the newly formed West End Neighbours group have given me concern about the state of the city and more specifically, the planning process.

I lamented the fact that a neighbourhood like the West End is so opposed to any kind of development, particularly when considering, as former City Councillor Gordon Price points out, that “only a dozen or so new buildings”  have been erected since 1972 and which is “a hodge-podge: layers of different styles and forms accumulated over a century.”

I am seeing this kind of opposition to what residents are calling “intrusions” into the neighbourhoods a lot more these days.  Whether it is Marpose showing concern over a high rise proposed for the Safeway parking lot at 70th and Granville, or those just off of Cambie that oppose the tower next to the new Marine Drive Canada Line station, this is becoming a growing trend.

What bothers me most about this is that City Council is being forced to traverse of minefield of NIMBY attitudes in most corners of the city – East, West, North and South.  The greater good, or visions for the city as a whole, are becoming more and more difficult to implement.

So, I penned this piece for the Vancouver Sun.  They have changed the title that I gave it, as well as cut some key points that I included in my original submission.  So, for the benefit of CivicScene readers, I am reprinting my original submission so you can properly see my intent and focus.

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