Dear Editor,

Apparently, the District of Maple Ridge has the authority to decide whether or not Damax Consultants may extract gravel on farmland at 26313 124th Ave.

The area, to our knowledge, and having lived in the neighbourhood for more than 20 years, is zoned residential. It is not as though the residents of this area moved here knowing that there was going to be an operational gravel pit nearby.

It appears the Agricultural Land Commission, as Mayor Ernie Daykin said, gives the District "the opportunity to make decisions that affect us - the community." [ALC defers to local council, June 5, TIMES]. Therefore, their decision should be in favour of the community, including the families living in the residential subdivisions both at 128th Avenue east of 232nd Street and east on 124th Avenue who will be subjected to noise, dust, and increased commercial gravel truck traffic.

Furthermore, the main truck route, the six blocks between 232nd Street and the proposed gravel pit, has at least four streets with large neighbourhoods whose residents need to turn onto 124th Avenue to access 232nd Street or Abernathy Way. This would be a safety concern, should 124th Avenue be congested with commercial traffic.

That small two-lane road already provides access for commuter traffic travelling west on Dewdney Trunk Road to Abernathy Way. Adding increased commercial traffic to the local traffic mix could be dangerous.

Approval of such a proposal would affect the quality of life for many citizens.

The District should oppose facilitating profits for Damax to the detriment of the neighbourhoods.

Shirley and Floyd Burnet, Albion