Are more high-rises on Regina Street good developments for the community and its environment?

Proposed zoning change site: The Parkway House and surrounding area, in front of Richmond Square buildings

In the city master plan this land is Zone 01 which is defined as suitable for: open space, parkland, community garden, environmental preservation and education area.

Windmill Development Group is proposing significant zoning changes for developing 12 storey and 20 storey buildings.

According to the developer:

• At the end of Regina Street where the Parkway House facility currently is (see photo above.)
• 170 units are planned in two buildings plus a new facility for the Parkway House occupants.

• Traffic would enter and exit via Regina Street. A traffic study has been completed according to the developer.

• The intent is the first phase building, 12 storey, (roughly 60 units) is designed specifically for those with indoor air environmental sensitivities which will be 30% rental and the rest will be for sale condos.
• The second building, 20 storey, would all be condos for sale.
• The plan is to commence construction on the first phase possibly late this year or spring 2010.

Regina Street already has one of the higher densities of high-rises in Ottawa. These proposed developments will impact the single-family homes, as well as the existing high-rises around them. Some of the concerns heard around the neighbourhood include:

• Traffic for 170 additional units (this is likely more than ALL the single family homes in Lincoln Heights) funnelling down Regina Street?
• What will be the infringement on existing residents’ “Right to Light/Solar Access” of such high and dense developments?
• Environmental impacts on the green space on what is a significant bird sanctuary, and an ecologically designated storm run off area?
• Impact on the existing infrastructure in the area?
• What are the community-oriented considerations in these developments in order to attract a balanced demographic and socio-economic residential mix for a strong and sustainable Lincoln Heights community?
• What are the neighbourhood enhancement aspects of these developments in terms of making our neighbourhood a more attractive place to live in?

There is a community consultation meeting on this zoning change proposal:

Regina Public school (gym) on Wednesday April 15 at 7:00 pm

Please try to attend the public meeting.

If you have concerns about the density and appropriateness of this development, this is whom you can contact:

• Bay Ward Councillor Alex Cullen- alex.cullen@ottawa.ca 613-580-2477
• Windmill Development Group Managing Partner- Jonathan Westeinde: jonathan@windmilldevelopments.com 613-820-5600 x 158

· Lincoln Heights community coordinator on this issue- Parham Momtahan: LHC@momtahan.com http://www.momtahan.com/lhc

Last changed: 14/04/2009 8:31 PM

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