Correspondence from Leanne Kopp re: Invictus Development
Resident correspondence strongly objecting to the Eagles Nest development on the grounds of housing density, traffic congestion, and loss of green space.
From: Leanne Kopp Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2020 12:08 PM To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Subject: Invictus Development
Good morning,
I am writing this morning, with strong objection, to the Invictus Development, being proposed for the corner of Helmcken and Burnside.
My main concern is density - traffic density and additional housing density. Several years ago, with the development of the Eagle Creek shopping centre / rental units, traffic was reduced from 2 lanes to one lane with more people traveling in this area on Helmcken. Traffic is a huge concern with it being lined up all throughout the day - thousands of idling cars from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm every single day. To me, this environmental red flag is enough reason to seriously reconsider adding another development to this area. Remember that all of this traffic density ALREADY EXISTS without add 200 + more condos (and their cars) into the area.
Let's talk about green space. The green space that is already able to co-exist with the current development, Hidden Oaks, is a good balance. Any green space that exists, and surrounds the current property, will be lost, again at the hands of a new development.
The Invictus Development will not add any new value to that corner - the condo development that was built across the street on Helmcken has never been at 100% vacancy so why is there a need to add more? I am not naive and fully understand that this, and all new developments, are all about money. This development, however, is not good for any reason and the proposed money to be made should not be the driving factor.
I have lived in this community / neighbourhood for over 10 years - what used to take me 20 minutes to get from my home to work (which is downtown), now takes me at least 45 minutes. The amount of traffic which exists all throughout this area (the highway, Helmcken, Burnside, Interurban, Wilkinson) is ridiculous as it is. We do not need a new development in this small parcel of land to add to an already existing problem. That particular corner is tight with many people running yellow / red lights to make it through because they have been waiting to get to where they are going for such long periods of time. Again, I will reiterate this major issue ALREADY EXISTS. By approving this development, you will be knowingly adding to a problem rather than solving it (which I believe our local mayors and council were elected to do).
I would ask that you please reconsider this development as it is not in the best interest of our community / neighbourhood / environment.
Regards,
Leanne Kopp