The Editor, Re: "Residents threaten protest over parking," news story in the Now, Dec. 18.
I have lived in East Clayton for eight years. I moved into my part of the neighbourhood before there were any coach homes built or these parking problems existed (stupid us for not looking at the NCP!).
Nowadays, though, I do not understand why people move to this neighbourhood and then complain about the parking.
When you go to look at any of these homes from 196th Street to 188th Street, there is no street parking anywhere, unless you come to look during the day when everyone is at work and the street parking is empty. Otherwise, when you pull up on the evenings and weekends, there is no street parking.
There have been signs along 72nd Avenue stating that the
road would be widened and parking was temporary for at least six years, and there are still signs on 192nd Avenue after widening. And people have still decided to buy here and then they get upset when the city is following through with plans made years ago.
People moving here also have work vehicles to park - SUVs, trucks and minivans that do not fit into the tight garages or outdoor spots, or have 18 cars for one household, and are still complaining about parking.
It just blows my mind.
When you live in East Clayton, you have to learn to accept the parking challenges and mourn the loss of quality of life if you choose to buy here. It is sad the city has ruined many people's dreams of owning a single-family home by allowing this neighbourhood to become a congested, high-density, multiple-suite, parking mess.