HASTINGS PARK RESIDENTS WIN 1st ROUND

HASTINGS PARK RESIDENTS WIN 1st ROUND

Posted below is a press release from the Hastings Park residents over Casino Interests Taking over their neighborhood park. Bravo to the residents for not shrinking away from a huge battle--Jamie Lee

NEWS RELEASE

January 19, 2006

Residents Lawsuit Against the City of Vancouver Upheld By Judge

The Hastings Park Conservancy is suing the City of Vancouver for
violating community rights and the Vancouver Charter by voting to re-zone
Hastings Park to allow slot machines without respecting due process and
conditions. City of Vancouver lawyers tried to have the case thrown out on
January 18, 2006, but the judge rejected the City's arguments and this case will
be heard in BC Supreme Court in March of 2006.

This lawsuit is supported by the residents of Hastings Sunrise, who
have, to date, donated more than $8,000.00 to the Hastings Park Conservancy
for this campaign.

How the City of Vancouver violated the Vancouver Charter: Rezoned for slot machines before a Master Plan for the Park is in place

Slowed down the Restoration of the Park though this process
Removed any opportunity for a Board of Variance review
Reneged on Cityplan commitments to downgrade Renfrew Street
Approved a subsidized secret lease for a Casino in a Public Park
Abandoned verbal commitments made to Residents by the Development
Permit Board regarding traffic on Renfrew street in the official minutes of
the DP Board's meeting

For more information, please contact:
Derek Creighton, Lawyer for this case, Access Law Group 604-689-8000
ext 304
David Bornman, Hasting Park Conservancy 604-254-2843, cell
604-318-0969
Barry Sharbo, Hastings Park Conservancy, 604-255-1015 cell
604-780-3719
Haida Lane, Hastings Park Conservancy 604-731-2257
Cynthia Flood, Hastings Park Conservancy 604-255-7820