My name is Tricia Boukall. Our house is located in the close directly beside the proposed development of 70 Arlington Drive. I have previously written to council and appreciate the two responses that I have received. With the city council meeting approaching I wanted to email and let you know how I feel about this proposed development. I hope you will take the time to understand my point of view.
I fully understand that this lot is not designated as a park and that a future development will go forward. The proposed development that is now before city council has far too many units for such a small area of land. As a resident that is closely situated to this development I have major concerns about the amount of units in the development.
The first concern is the impact of the increased traffic on Arlington Drive. This drive is already extremely busy for a community street. There are already traffic safety dangers along Arlington Drive and the increased amount of cars will only increase these safety issues. If council decides to approve this development there will need to be pedestrian lights at all of the major crosswalks. This is to increase safety for children getting to and from the bus in the mornings as well for pedestrians that use the streets every day.
My second concern is the parking congestion related to the vehicles from the residences of the units, as well as their visitors. Apollo has increased the amount of stalls for the development but would still be lacking for each resident of this development. This will mean extra vehicles congesting the street. This area is already a stop for the city bus as well as a school bus drop-off. With the increased vehicle congestion, this will represent a traffic hazard along Arlington Drive.
My third concern about this development is the ‘open concept.‘ I believe it is imperative that there be a separation of public and private land. Right now the development is planned without any fencing to separate each condo. I understand this is more cost effective for the developers, but it increases the safety concerns for everyone in the community. Without fencing anyone can walk right up to any of the row houses. This is a concern for the condo residents, as well for the residents of the community. The safety of the residents of the row houses, the neighbours that surround the development and the entire community needs to be put before the cost of fencing. Fencing around each yard should be mandatory.
My final concern is the impact on the local school — Elmer S. Gish Elementary. I am looking forward to the city’s report on how this school will be impacted by the potential large increase of students in Akinsdale. I am concerned because when my young son enters school, I want him to go to Elmer S. Gish, without having to deal with issues related to an overpopulated school.
I want to finish this letter by stating that I am not in favour of this proposed development. After taking a close look at the blueprints, I do not believe the row houses will meet the needs of the families moving in. I think a better plan for families looking for low income housing, would be to build fewer (15) town houses or duplexes that would be affordable and meet the spatial/storage needs. Reducing the density of housing would also help alleviate many of my concerns.
Tricia Boukall, St. Albert
