To the editor:
Re: "Sequel 138 saga continues with boycott campaign," Sept. 12 (online).
A few more facts might be in order. Sequel 138 project is a mix of rental and ownership options. It is entirely within existent height and density guidelines. It asks no special consideration, no waivers, no variances. It conforms exactly to current zoning. We are not required to provide 2,500 square feet of arts space. We are doing it because we believe in it. The arts are an avenue to a healthy community.
Ours will be the third largest art space in the Downtown Eastside. Renowned artist Vincent Dumoulin has already signed up. More will follow. Britta [Fluevog] will be welcome, shoes and all.
There are some who prefer the ghetto model of social development. We believe that model is a proven failure. We need a mix of incomes and housing options here-and in every neighbourhood. It is the Canadian way.
No decent person wants the Downtown Eastside to continue as it is, overrun by drug dealers and disease. Many good people want to lead safer lives here. It is time for new options, and new choices.
And by the way, "hundreds" of people did not attend the demonstration at my offices last week. We counted 29. Even our visitors claimed only 50. Either way, we had a lot of milk and cookies left over. We've since given them out at Pigeon Park.
Marc Williams, owner, Sequel 138
