Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my concern and appall at the proposed Coulter Berry building. Among the many glaringly obvious problems with erecting a building such as that in "Historic Fort Langley" are the sheer size, lack of parking, and the increased traffic it would bring to our quaint town.

The size, in comparison to any and all of the surrounding buildings, is so far out of whack that it's laughable. Current bylaws have a limit of two storeys, yet Coulter Berry would be three, completely dwarfing existing surrounding buildings.

How does that work? If a person has enough money and gives it to the right people, can he build to whatever height and size he chooses?

Is there no reason for existing bylaws?

I realize times change and cities and towns grow, but the Coulter Berry Building is suited to Yaletown, not Fort Langley.

Perhaps the council members have never visited main street Fort Langley before.

The proposed parking would be completely inadequate: 67 of the 144 spaces required. Seriously? Less than half?

Clearly, the council never has been to Fort Langley, and certainly hasn't had to park. On a moderately busy day, finding parking is challenging, at best. With the increased traffic the Coulter Berry building would bring, and the less than half of the needed parking spaces it would provide, it would be as infuriating as trying to park in Vancouver.

An increase in people and traffic to town is wonderful for business, but the small town of Fort Langley does not have the infrastructure to support the increase that such a building would bring.

Fort Langley is such a draw for people because it has managed to retain its "small town" look and feel.

Should this building go ahead, it will be the demise of the charming, quaint, historic Fort Langley that so many people love and enjoy.

Chelsea McNeill, Fort Langley