Correspondence from Brandon Green Re: Proposed Rezoning of 2401 Burnside Road
Resident voicing concerns regarding traffic congestion, noise from buses idling and backing up, and impaired property values.
From: Brandon Green Sent: May-05-18 6:03 PM To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca Subject: Fwd: Proposed rezoning of 2401 Burnside Road
To the Township of View Royal,
I'd like to voice my concerns with the proposed rezoning and construction of a BC Transit HandiDART Facility at 2401 Burnside Road as a resident at 29 Newstead Crescent nearby. I hope the Township of View Royal will deny the rezoning proposal.
That space is currently zoned as Park, Open Space, and Recreation - to which it is utilized quietly by a bow club. Rezoning to "community facility" which is in fact a bus depot is not an appropriate use of the space for existing residents in the area.
Traffic
There is already significant issues with traffic at the intersection of Watkiss and Burnside without a bus depot/fleet maintenance shop on the site. It will substantially increase traffic congestion, especially around rush hour with the buses moving in and out and the employees working at the site.
Noise
I have not been able to determine how many buses will be moving in and out of a facility, but the increase in noise pollution from buses idling, backing up (beeps), engine noise, and work done in the mechanical bays will be intrusive to residents in the area.
Buses and facility operation as early as 4:30am and as late as 11:30pm further extend the noise pollution in to important quiet times for our neighborhood. There are a lot of families with children who require/deserve peace and quiet during those times.
Property Value
We've already had to deal with Choices, and the other less than ideal uses of the Talcott Road facility so near this neighborhood. Rezoning from Parks and Open Space to a bus facility will no doubt impair the property values of nearby residents.
Craigflower Creek, the Goose, and Park Space in general
That many buses and a maintenance bay on site raises environmental concerns with regards to impacts on the Craigflower Creek and the use and enjoyment of the Goose trail for walking, running and biking. Run off from the maintenance and washing bay, engine fumes, etc. do not seem to be addressed by BC Transit in their proposal.
Surely there are better uses for the space that would integrate more seamlessly with the existing neighborhood and residents.
I urge the Township of View Royal to deny the rezoning application.
Thank you for your time.
Brandon Green Resident at 29 Newstead Crescent