Editor:
Re: Ashcroft might not be the best solution, letter to the editor, March 8
I am truly amazed by some of the content in Ed Ries' letter published March 8. My comments are as follows:
. I doubt that it is the job of Delta council to secure "a thorough understanding" of the subject of container movements and of the motivation of the involved private sector players. Some understanding - yes! But a thorough understanding is the province of the players involved. And their bottom line motive is likely to be profits.
. The subject of understanding works both ways. In this instance, Delta council is cognizant of the desire of residents to have Delta retain its agricultural character. Turning ALR land into an industrial wasteland is detrimental to our interests in every way. It is time that Delta Port, the railways, and whatever corporations hope to profit from such actions, pay attention to the wishes of the community. I, for one, applaud the actions of our Delta council in this instance.
. As an aside, very little - if anything - is written about the increase in noise that an intermodal yard and more trains would bring to the citizens of South Delta, who live within normal hearing range of the railways and the port. Excessive noise is a component of our environment and needs to be kept in check.
. As another aside, the acreage involved is 558 acres, not 600. I do not know if this is all under blueberry cultivation.
Does Mr. Ries?
Yes, perhaps it "ain't broke" yet but we need to ensure that it doesn't become that way.
