The City of Surrey needs to explain how a member of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) for Grandview Heights Area #4 can use the CAC as an advertisement to solicit real estate prospects.
The reality is, there are precious few individuals with local knowledge actually allowed to participate, and only then if you are a successful applicant to the process.
Cooperation and constructive input is measured against a majority owners’ group consisting of developers, home builders, local realtors and investors.
Recently, a flyer distributed to homeowners adjacent to Area #4, marketed the services of a realtor. The flyer read, “Potential developers many want to purchase your property. As a member of the CAC and a realtor specializing in the Grandview Heights area, I have already represented six separate sellers of acreage properties in NCP 4.”
The conflict of interest is obvious. What is more serious is the City of Surrey’s active participation in a process that can only serve the interests of developers.
The CAC has, in my opinion, become little more than a sham, actively managed so as to ensure no local input whatsoever.
As a CAC member to Area #4, I live in South Surrey and represent an adjacent community association. Our concerns are few, however we have been routinely ignored, shuffled from one department to another and told not to worry that our concerns will be addressed at a later date.
I’m sorry, like you, I also know when I’m being played.
Coun. Barinder Rasode, as the designated community liaison for the city, has expressed her concern about CAC and Area #4 in particular.
The only problem is she did so only when confronted repeatedly with objections and then only after council voted to go forward with stage two planning.
We are not opposed to development or densification. We are opposed to being treated like second-class citizens by the city.
This might be a good time to hit the “pause” button.
M. Proskow