July_Newsletter

ARBUTUS RIDGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

NEWSLETTER, JULY 2012

ARCA’S FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, as a registered society, was held on May 30^th at the Arbutus Village Recreation Centre. A new executive was elected: Marion Boyle, Doreen Braverman, Afton Cayford, Michael Cha, Marie Clarke, Jim Finch, Bill Haberl, Kary McGavin, and Ron Pickerill. Josie Timewell and Jason Zheng, who were on last year’s executive, were thanked for their contribution of time and effort to our community. The highlight of the meeting was the awarding of life memberships to three of our most dedicated members: Virginia Alexandor, Barbara Speirs, and Max Wideman. Virginia and Max were present to accept their awards. Barbara was not able to attend. A panel of three representatives from Vancouver neighbourhoods gave us their advice on how ARCA could best represent the community with City Hall. Jane Ingman-Baker, from the Dunbar Residents Association (DRA), Stephen Bohus, from Residents Association of Mount Pleasant (RAMP) and Sinisa Vujovic, from West End Neighbours, led a lively discussion on how their associations have dealt with City Hall. There was consensus amongst the panelists that land-use decisions are the chief concerns of residents and it is important for ARCA to reach out to other community groups for guidance on how to effect change. The AGM minutes and the panel discussion are posted on our website www.arbutusridgecommunity.org.

YOUR EXECUTIVE MEETS MONTHLY At our last meeting in June, Sarita Zugazaga was welcomed as a new member of the executive. If you have any issues or concerns that you want us to discuss, please let us know.

IMPORTANT ISSUES FOR OUR COMMUNITY

The Mayor’s Task Force on Housing Affordability – The interim report has been released. It will affect every community in Vancouver, and while there are some laudable recommendations, there are also some issues you should be aware of, e.g. boosting density in residential areas, creating a housing authority to buy and develop land. Send your concerns to the Mayor and Council. If you need more information on the task force’s report, let me know.
The proposed redevelopment of 16^th and Arbutus. The Kitsilano Arbutus Resident’s Association (KARA) is asking for your support to have input into the plans. They are particularly concerned about losing the bowling alley, the theatre and having the entrance to the underground parking off the lane by the residences. Contact [email protected] for more information.
3212 East Blvd. – a Demonstration project to put 8 housing units and a 5 car garage on a 50 ft lot. Public hearing is July 10^th at 7:30 City Council Chambers.

REMINDER to pay your 2012/3 ARCA fees. Contact Marie Clarke 604-263-5086 [email protected] or Doreen Braverman 604-263-6051 [email protected].