Email from Linda Baker re: HandyDART Proposal
Resident raising concerns about traffic and environmental issues with the nearby creek.
From: Linda Anne Baker Sent: May-16-18 5:21 PM To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca Subject: Fwd: HandyDart Proposal
Dear Councillors,
It was with some concern that I heard the comments of our mayor on local radio this morning re the proposal to establish a HandyDart depot at the corner of Watkiss and Burnside.
If I understood correctly, he stated that some of the neighbours were concerned about noise and pollution, but he never mentioned the traffic problem nor the environmental issue with the creek. His solution was that the Handy Dart proposers should meet more with the neighbours to see how the concerns could be addressed! It is far more than the immediate neighbours, however, that will be adversely affected.
Since we moved to View Royal 12 years ago, the increase in road congestion has dramatically affected our lives and makes it difficult for us to travel anywhere except between 9 am and 2:30 pm. With all the increased construction on the West Shore, this will only worsen and will affect the lives of many thousands of people even more. Ninety to one hundred fifteen buses operating from 4:30 am to 11 pm is no small matter and will add greatly to this pressure!
Another issue, which I don't know if anyone else has addressed, is that there is an elementary school across the street from the proposed facility, and this will make it much more dangerous for students coming and going from school! Pollution and noise will also likely affect businesses in the building housing the Nest Café and others.
When we first moved here, there was much more green space in this area, which greatly influenced our decision to purchase our house on Highland Road. Since then, aside from Thetis Park of course, we have seen almost every nearby bit of wild and beautiful land be destroyed. We have even heard that there are plans to develop even the little bit of green space left at the corner of Watkiss and Burnside. There are beautiful Garry Oaks and other valuable native plants on this property~is there no consideration to protect these as well as the Craigflower Creek watershed where we have finally seen salmon return in recent years? We live in a beautiful area but it is already becoming less and less attractive with all the increased development.
We are alarmed at the scope of this proposal and concerned that our property values will drop for all the reasons listed above. We have been very proud of our council in the past and all it has done for View Royal and strongly urge you to reconsider your position on this important issue.
Thank you for your consideration,
Linda Baker 2165 Highland Road View Royal