Letter: Richmond highrises a cautionary example

Dear Editor,  

A very interesting situation is developing in Vancouver`s Chinatown that should bring wry smiles to many Richmond residents.

It appears that Vancouver City Council has approved a 13-storey high rise condo complex  to be built in this community, and naturally enough of the residents are outraged.

King Mong Chan, a spokesperson for the community, had these comments, “ These condo units have very little to really add to Chinatown but increasing it`s property value. It really changes the entire character, and we see from existing condo marketing is that they are branding Chinatown as this place that is cool and hip to come to, but totally ignores and disrespects the heritage and cultural elements of Chinatown.”

Richmond residents who have lived here for more than 25 years must see the exquisite irony of this situation and take comfort in knowing the anguish that others are suffering.

We should invite these unhappy residents of Chinatown to visit Richmond and we can show them our downtown core of many high rises so they can see their future

Alan Halliday 

Richmond