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Smaller single-family homes better than townhouses

Editor: Re: Tsawwassen has catching up to do on home choice front, Community Comment, May 30 I disagree with comments made by Mike Schneider who claims that “the need for stock in the mid-range housing sector is clear.

Editor:

Re: Tsawwassen has catching up to do on home choice front, Community Comment, May 30

I disagree with comments made by Mike Schneider who claims that “the need for stock in the mid-range housing sector is clear.” How can $800,000 (which is the starting price point for the recently approved 37-unit townhouse development at 8A Avenue and 53rd Street in Tsawwassen) be considered mid-range?

I suggest prices from $450,000 to $600,000 are mid-range. Condos in this price range are currently available. And a new application to build more condos on Hunter Road is in the works as I write. 

I suggest Schneider visits single-family areas from 6th Avenue (close to South Park Elementary) to the border between 56th Street and English Bluff Road. He will see families made up of younger adults and children. I do not consider it an “aging community.”

These families chose to live in single-family homes. Prior to Monday’s hearing I spoke to some and they like homes with yards and space in which their children can safely play. They told me they are not keen on townhomes.

Since house prices have dropped in the past while more young adults have seen the light, and for the extra money they can acquire land (which appreciates) and in many cases acquire or have the potential for a secondary suite for rental or to accommodate grandparents or other family members.

Keeping our older stock of single-family homes and/or allowing the construction of smaller single-family homes where appropriate is, in my opinion, the way to go.

Schneider talks about statements verging on discrimination made at Monday’s public hearing by those who opposed the application. Well, believe me I heard discriminatory remarks made by those who supported this application.

Surely Schneider’s concluding statement about revitalizing an aging community is discriminatory as well. I am tired of hearing of age discrimination in this community and would like to see it stop.

Jean Wightman