Dear Editor
Re: Low-rise rentals are slipping away, Burnaby NOW, April 10. I believe councilor Dan Johnson's comment about not wanting to be responsible for enshrining a slum is extremely offensive. People living in the area mentioned are there because they cannot afford to live elsewhere.
It's time all members of council realize not all people are in the six-figure salary bracket.
One reason city council agreed to this density situation is because it creates megabucks in property taxes. City council should enforce the owners of these buildings to maintain them properly. In lieu of that, perhaps Burnaby could purchase and maintain them thereby eliminating any chance of a ghetto and also giving those less fortunate a chance at decent and affordable housing.
Maureen McMahon, Burnaby
