Seattle Official Calls RAV "The Berlin Wall" of Vancouver

by Elecia Chrunik for www.thevancouverobserver.com
Jaime Garcia, Executive Director of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, which provides assistance to small businesses in South Seattle impacted by construction of the Sound Transit rapid transit project, described the Canada Line construction as a "Berlin Wall" that is dividing Vancouver.

Garcia made his comments after walking Cambie Street on Thursday with Fairview MLA Gregor Robertson, who has introduced legislation to provide assistance to the some 500 businesses along the Richmond-Vancouver line.

 Afterwards, at a press conference at the Plaza 500 Hotel, Garcia told reporters he was shocked at the absence of a "mitigation plan" to help local businesses through the construction period.

Garcia was surprised at the similarities between Cambie Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Seattle, Washington. Both have a multitude of small, independent businesses, both have a healthy mix of ethnic populations and both are along a construction corridor of a city transit project. One difference, however, is that the businesses affected by Seattle’s Sound Transit project are receiving federal funds for decreases in revenue caused by construction while Cambie Street businesses are left to fend for themselves.

Garcia is the Executive Director of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, a federal project that has set aside $50 million to support the community that has shouldered the impact of developing the Sound Transit light rail system.

The money is distributed through three avenues:

1. $17 million in grants for mitigation for businesses that have had to re-establish or that have faced interruption due to construction.
2. $2 million in a pre-apprenticeship program to help residents obtain an apprenticeship in the construction trade.
3. $31 million in below-market rate loans to businesses, real estate owners and developers for qualified investments in the Rainier Valley.

Garcia was in Vancouver at the invitation of Fairview MLA Gregor Robertson who has been campaigning on behalf of the businesses along Cambie Street that are facing an average of 40 – 60 per cent loss in revenue. It is estimated that between 40 and 50 businesses have closed because of construction, with more likely to shut their doors while construction continues on into next year.

“It’s not too late to help,” said Robertson. He has introduced a Private Member’s Bill that would offer emergency interest-free loans and a break on property taxes for business owners. “It’s still on the table and the Seattle example proves that there are options out there to help business owners.”

Garcia stressed that the funds were the result of a community driven movement that received the support of Seattle mayor, Greg Nickels. “He has visited the businesses at least three times each to see the progress and the effects of construction,” Garcia said. Calls to Sam Sullivan’s office were not returned.

The idea of setting a precedent for compensating businesses in future construction projects was not an issue in Seattle, as it has been here. It was an effort to maintain a lively community. “It’s not a handout but a hand up, to keep people off of welfare and public assistance,” he said.

“Mass transportation is something that we all need,” Garcia said, “but it should not be at the cost of small businesses.” So far, the RVCDF has distributed almost $10 million to over 150 small businesses. The provincial and municipal government in B.C and Vancouver has provided no compensation.