Just protecting neighbourhoods

Re Loosening up Toronto’s yellowbelt, March 16

I am disgusted at the offensive statement by urban planner Sean Galbraith that those living in established residential areas are change-fearing “neighbourhood character fetishists” who want their streets “shrink wrapped.”

The people who live in these established areas are often descendants of the early immigrants who struggled and actually built this city. They worked hard, saved hard, built their homes and established often lovely neighbourhoods that have a big sense of community. Other people who bought homes and live there do so because these neighbourhoods are a great place to live, thrive and raise their children.

It is not that they “fear change.” It is that they fear the brutilisation and devastation of their homes, their heritage and the beleaguered environment — trees, flora and fauna — by developers who appear to have no respect for any of this. Judging by some of the monstrosities they create, they also have no idea what is attractive, practical and suitable for specific areas to blend in and enhance them.

This is especially seen in downtown Toronto, which has been visually destroyed by over-building with ugly, unhealthy glass towers.

With such an arrogant and uncaring attitude by planners and developers, it is no surprise at the growth of NIMBYism in Toronto. Who else will protect the future of the beautiful and charming neighbourhoods where people have often lived in all their lives and which they have nurtured and love? Valerie Gibson, Etobicoke