SMUG GARR INFLAMING TENSION IN DUNBAR

To the editor:

So, the pistol-packin', politically correct Allen Garr comes out of
the chute again ("Dunbar NIABYs way off base," May 26). His attack on
Dunbar residents concerned about their growing seniors population and
the future essence of their community smacks of smug,
holier-than-thou superiority.

Dunbar residents are concerned about a proposal to warehouse a large
40-50 unit complex of dual-diagnosed, addicted individuals in their
residential community, without any on-site supervision, treatment, or
support-and so they should be. They are even more concerned that
their 10-year requests for low-cost, assisted-living accommodation
for the growing population of elderly residents in their own
community will be cast aside in the apparent rush to clean up the
Downtown Eastside for the 2010 tourist influx and for future development.

This is an ill-conceived, unsupervised housing plan that will not aid
in solving problems of addiction, not improve neighbourhood-based
senior housing, or help to build the strong neighbourhood communities
for which Vancouver is so often praised.

The Fraser Street model, which Mr. Garr praises without careful
evaluation, does not provide on-site treatment, or even supervision,
and can offer no track record of success to assuage huge
apprehensions and concerns. Its planning and implementation process
is, indeed, a model: for squashing community concerns, for ramming
through a questionable concept in the face of overwhelming community
opposition, and for failing to include commercial and residential
taxpayers-in any truly meaningful way-in planning for the nature and
future of their neighbourhoods. To duplicate this model, without
careful testing and proof of its success, cannot engender confidence
or support.

Vancouver's addiction problems will not be solved. They will simply
be dispersed throughout the city and swept beneath the carpets of
unsuspecting neighbourhoods, where local residents will be left to
deal with them. Vancouver's addicts will not be healed. The Four
Pillars goal will not be achieved.

Mr. Garr does nothing to ease tensions, calm fears, or rationalize
debate in what could become a potentially volatile confrontation in
this community. It is interesting to note that the only member of the
entire audience with whom Mr. Garr chose to speak was a very biased,
self-interested health care industry "plant," who attempted to take
over and re-direct the meeting away from community concerns.

Perhaps, if Mr. Garr could truly listen to all concerns and fairly
analyze all issues, his could be a helpful voice in resolving
important and potentially divisive issues in this community. Instead,
he prefers to pontificate and stir the pot to boiling.

More bad inflammatory journalism, Mr. Garr-your growing trademark. If
you can't be helpful in resolving community issues in a positive
community building direction, step aside.

Ed Goldstrom

Vancouver