Hamilton - The Editor, At every meeting, a developer for Hamilton claims that higher density will create the opportunity for more shops and possibly a restaurant. But they have also said there is no guarantee the shops would be rented.
Hamilton - The Editor, At every meeting, a developer for Hamilton claims that higher density will create the opportunity for more shops and possibly a restaurant. But they have also said there is no guarantee the shops would be rented. I believe the residents only hear what they want to hear. In fact, if we allow this densification to go through, we could end up giving away the farm and getting nothing in return. The developer hasn't committed to amenities other than a few shops which may or may not be rented, a boulevard and some plants and trees, depending on what density level the city approves.The developer hasn't given the community anything to keep the residents to stay and shop in Hamilton. Everyone still has to drive into Richmond for most appointments, sports practices or shopping for clothes and groceries. To increase density by 4,000-7,000 people is not practical. With higher tolls on the Port Mann Bridge a lot of commuters will be taking the new Perimeter Road and choosing the Alex Fraser Bridge, causing added stress on the East-West Connector, plus the nightmare you are adding by the medium to high density to Hamilton, a more realistic approach would be an increase density to 1,000 or 1,500 new residents tops.The subject of schooling also comes up at every meeting. It was acknowledged the present school is at capacity but there was no solution as to where the new residents would send their children. In October, the Richmond News reported that the school district's five-year capital plan included a new elementary school for Hamilton. I was curious to find out where a new school would be built, as the developer didn't incorporate a school in the plan. I called someone at City Hall who was surprised to hear about a new school for Hamilton. The city hadn't set aside any land or planned for a new school. In other words, it was willing to approve the high density without any infrastructure to accommodate the increase. Can the city actually look after the increase in all areas of Richmond safely when they opt to set aside funds for the Sister City instead of filling vacancies in the RCMP and Richmond Fire-Rescue? Also, in the April 24 issue of the Richmond News, it is stated that "Mayor Brodie lists community safety as one of Richmond's top priorities." Yet, by December, the News writes, "the majority of the predicted surplus has come from unfilled vacancies in the RCMP ($2.7 million) and Richmond Fire-Rescue ($1.17 million)."As a Richmond taxpayer safety and fire service is a top priority and affects all residents.The residents pay for council to make the right decisions for each community. For example, residents of Hamilton were told the 35-unit townhouse complex being built on Gilley Road would not have Gilley Road as it main access, yet City Hall caves to the developer and allows him to use Gilley road instead of Turner Road as was originally planned.Because of this, I don't have the confidence or trust in city council, but still encourage politicians to make the right decision on reducing the density plan for Hamilton. Think of the impact it will have. Does the City have the infrastructure in place for this proposed increase? I think not. This plan will create a traffic nightmare and leave a detrimental carbon foot print.Betty CarrHamilton
