Editor: I attended the town meeting at the Fernridge Hall on Wednesday, and I am very disappointed. I saw a lot of parks and school trails, but if you didn’t pay attention you would miss that they are trying to sell high density, which will be the death of this truly unique area.
There is not another area like Brookswood anywhere in the Lower Mainland. The plan reminds me of Willoughby, as stated in The Times editorial (Jan. 16). As you can see when you’re in Willoughby, all that remains in that area is parking problems, traffic problems and the destruction of the small town feel it used to have.
If the Township does not keep lots at their present size, there will be no more Brookswood. It will be sold off to developers looking to make as much as they can.
I’m sure our mayor Jack Froese would like to see high density, due to the increase in tax revenue. All of this is packaged to the people who live in this area as a diverse, multi-use community plan.
The plans I saw at the hall had some good ideas and services that would benefit the area, but the cost for these services will be way too high. I shop at Buy-Low Foods, Cedarbrook Bakery and many other local businesses, not because they are cheaper but because I like to go somewhere where, when you walk in the door, they know who you are and you are greeted in a way that is hard to find in other areas of Langley.
I would like to say to my fellow Brookswood and South Langley residents — let’s do something about this. Write to the mayor and to The Times. We do have a voice and should be heard.
I want to drive through this area in 20 years and still feel the same pride and love for this truly beautiful area.There is a sign in Brookswood that reads “Brookswood, not Brooks was.” This sign sums up the future of Brookswood.
If we leave it in the hands of the Township and developers, who clear-cut and develop every area in the Lower Mainland, you know what will happen.
It is OK to add some homes, but stay with good-sized lots. Add services as this is great for the area.
Just because you put houses so close you can pass your neighbour some sugar, doesn’t mean you have designed a close, family-oriented community. Have a look at Willoughby and Clayton Heights. The writing is on the wall.
Aaron Nelson,
Brookswood