Proposed community improvements for the Riley Area Plan
| Some highlights of what is being proposed A signalized light at 19 St. and Memorial. Our WHCA position was this would need to be studied and we would need to have a significant streetscaping as we feel this could turn into an alternative to 14th St. for people commuting downtown. Our transportation committee has been concerned we will have massive extra traffic through the neighborhood and the downsides outweigh the upsides. 5/6 AV bike lanes: In Chapter 3, policy 3.2.2.a.xii (p. 6) notes improvements to 5/6 Avenue: “creating separated cycling infrastructure along 5/6 Avenue NW, connecting to the cycling lane at 29 Street NW”. There is also a separate section for Kensington Road in the Neighbourhood Main Street. Dairy Laneway Preserved as a PathwayIn Chapter 3, policy 3.2.2.f.v. (bottom of p. 9 under the 19 Street NW section) mentions the lane: “retain and improve the laneway north of 2 Avenue NW and between 19 Street NW and 18A Street NW, with a priority on pedestrian movement between 19 Street NW and 18A Street NW through resurfacing, enhanced lighting, seating and other placemaking solutions.” Broadview ParkThe Riley Plan calls for opening up access to Broadview Park at 19 St and Memorial. Without community consultation, the city rented one of West Hillhurst’s largest green spaces, to a long-term renter and locked it down to any public access for us. This has been raised with the city for years through our WHCA transportation committee. Heritage GuidelinesThere are no Heritage Guideline Areas for West Hillhurst, as per the Council’s direction for defining Heritage Guideline Areas. Individual properties may be eligible for Municipal Historic Designation – homes that are currently eligible for designation are listed on the Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources. Additionally, they utilize some of the Heritage conservation incentives and programs. Bridge to St. Andrews This important pedestrian bridge is in the plan and there’s a call to improve it and maintain it. Crowchild Trail crossingsThe Mobility Plan is meant to support the Riley Local Area Plan (LAP) so it will align with the LAP’s schedule as well. We are awaiting the full mobility plan. PROPOSED CHANGE to zoning on the north side of 6th Ave between 16th and 18th ST NW: New designation would allow: 4 storey mixed commercial/retail/residential for the entire 2-block stretch Concerns: The proposal for 6th Ave between 16th and 18th Street contravenes 3 of the 5 stated “Community Improvement core values” The proposed change is sure to significantly increase both traffic volumes and congestion right at Queen Elizabeth Schools (Elementary, Jr. High and High Schools) bringing a significant increase in child safety risk and for all crossing the road to school, parks, green space, pool, community centre, and homes. A change to 4 storey mixed-use on 6th Ave would also likely mean the loss of the northside boulevard and its attendant 20+ lilacs. Potential loss of over 70+ trees in front/back yards. Negative impact on streetscape surrounding the “historic homes” at 1722 and 1726 6th Ave (they currently are designated as heritage homes). PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK TO THE CITY OF CALGARY |