Editor: Re: Farmland consolidated in Tsaw., Oct. 2 I question the wisdom and intentions of Delta's mayor and council acquiring farmland with Delta taxpayers' money for farmers with limited return to Delta taxpayers.
The land in question cost Delta taxpayers $1.55 million plus $177,000 for clean-up costs.
Would the over $100 million in net gain to the Century Group from rezoning the Southlands better serve the community when retained by Delta to be used for the purchase of prime farmland for Delta farmers' use? Retained money from rezoning does not come out of taxpayers' pockets.
The 80 per cent of the Southlands proposed as a gift from Century is not prime farmland but more accurately described as wetlands, with an appraised value for taxation of less than $20 million. To suggest that wetlands are a fair trade for over $100 million to be made through rezoning is wrong. I suggest a freeze on all rezonings until Delta gets what other municipalities are doing to retain a portion of the proceeds that are realized by councilapproved rezonings. West Vancouver retains 75 per cent of value created by rezoning. With over $75 million, Delta's 75 per cent share from rezoning, Delta could afford to acquire prime farmland for our farmers without putting the burden on Delta taxpayers.
Larry Meyer
