PARKADE OPINION
First of all I do not see one side or the other as right or wrong. Just varied in opinion. I think also that it is unfortunate that in the meeting there had to be pro and con determination. This seems to me to set up and facilitate the notion of two camps (maybe it is so anyway) as opposed to open dialogue. Some things listed on the sheet, I can’t cite an example as I don’t remember, could have been placed on either side of the sheet depending on interpretation. It is not that I do not understand the footprint approach and use of parkade it is that I see it differently. I may not understand in the way some would like me too but I don’t feel that it is wrong or irrational for opinions to vary. I have to admit I was almost swayed by Bob Coles’ comparison to laundry use charges. After some reflection I rejected the comparison, not Bob though, based on my thoughts.
Unlike laundry which can wait to get done while it piles up if you are out of money, once you own a car, you need some where to park it. There aren’t many options in the neighbourhood.
Laundry is done in some suites in this co-op. An alternative that some have chosen.
We have heard that the parkade was a must when the co-op was built. It was by the foresight and determination of some that the size and expense of the parkade was reduced considerably. I applaud these efforts. People will/have/continue to live a life without the additional burden the full original demand by the City of Vancouver would have placed on us. Past, present and future.
We have heard stated that the parkade is exclusively for car owners. Not so I say. I won’t trivialize it by saying it is used for recycling and garbage etcetera as I see that as unimportant to the formulation of my opinion. The parkade is there to use for all members for it’s intended purpose plus some extra things that have come along. The balance of stalls to car owners by all reports has caused little difficulty. If a non car owner feels that they are excluded it seems they would be included if they got a car. In my opinion it is there for them to use they simply have no need to park a car that they own. This will change for many of us as time goes by. Some getting cars, specially if non polluting vehicles become practical and accessible, others hanging up their keys for health, economic or philosophical/idealogical reasons. If space becomes or is an issue as mentioned there are possibly more creative ways to deal with this as opposed to connecting economics to the matter. Some of us may have short enough vehicles and driving requirements/habits that might facilitate sharing a parking space. Many other co-operative ideas are I speculate in the minds of some members.
If we’d have had 153 parking stalls we would all be paying even more for our housing charges. I am at this time opposed to bringing in outside revenue through access to our living space including parkade, rooftops, meeting rooms or offices. I would be open to looking at these sorts of options and I’m sure ideas of others unimaginable to me if and when the Co-op foresees the need for serious measures. I think our needs as members should come first. This is our home not a business. I sometimes cringe when I hear comparisons to market. We are not market. We are a functioning community while the requirements and efforts of members ebb and flow with personal change. I am more interested in potential internal revenue generated within the Co-op but this already too long note is not the place to put forth the fruit of my pondering.
In closing I would like to invite all non car owners to the parkade/gallery. Wait, do I need board approval for that? Have a look at the Corrado Duster. It brings a smile to my face. And finally, How many places in town can say that Henry J lives in their parkade?
Jim Flight lp,bs honours