The Editor,
Re: "East Richmond could swell four times," News, June 8
(The Hamilton Area Plan Update is being devised by Oris Consulting Ltd. under city direction.)
The idea of high density in Hamilton does not work. What was done in Steveston works because Steveston is an established village with shops, restaurants, pool, high school, sport fields, large community centre, Garry Point Park, fishing docks and more than one road in and out.
Hamilton has one elementary school which is full, one restaurant, a small fitness centre, one church, Hamilton is a hamlet, and it has nothing to offer high density or medium density.
The only difference between the proposal options one, two or three, is the type of plants and asphalts used. Nothing has been brought to the table other than more residents. In all the options shown, none of the beautiful trees along Westminster Highway and throughout Hamilton were incorporated in the plans. The trees reduce the noise from highway 91A, keep dust down and give us a country feel.
Perhaps you could re-think your approach and create a more park-like setting around the trees, a few condos, a village street with shops and living space above, or keep the shopping centre we have now and get some tenants into the empty shops.
What impact study has been done to see how Richmond will cope with another 12,000 residents from Hamilton? Can the school system, ice rinks, swimming pools, sport fields, health care, restaurants, fitness centres, library and shops handle the increase?
With Hamilton having nothing to offer residents, the traffic back and forth into Richmond will be a nightmare - nice carbon footprint you're adding. What about the youth of Hamilton? Where are they to hang out?
I hope you aren't expecting Queensborough to handle Richmond's mistakes for inadequate planning.
Betty Carr Richmond
