Over 30 people showed up to learn about the vast amount of changes to zoning regulations for low density housing areas. It was conclusively determined that the proposed amendments are in violation of the Residential Infill Guidelines Policy approved and adopted by City Council in 2009. Generally, it was determined that most concerned citizens are in favour of amendments that follow the guidelines and opposed to those that are in violation. To learn how this might effect your neighbourhood, attend the third and final workshop on:
Monday, Jan 14, Spruce Avenue Community Centre, 10240 115 Ave
Agenda:
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm - City Information Session
7 – 9:30 pm, Workshop – focused groups discussions about the impact of proposed changes and potential alternatives
Attend a Workshop to help you prepare a well thought out letter to City Council before they meet to consider the Low Density Zone changes on January 28th, 2013.
RSVP to
[email protected], or 780-437-2913. Please specify the Workshop date, your name and your neighbourhood/League.
FROM OUR BOARD MEMBER, Lindsay Smith
Last night I attended the second of three workshops that the EFCL has organized to try to give community league representatives and interested parties some understanding of the proposed changes to the City's Zoning Bylaw. There were over 30 people in attendance and to say there was extensive discussion would be an understatement. I would like to give you my observations from the meeting.
The people in attendance were very pleased and supportive of the Residential Infill Guidelines 2009 Report but it was generally felt that the proposed Bylaw amendments in some cases did not follow or support those Guidelines. It was noted that because of the variety of lot configurations that exist throughout the city, it is extremely difficult to come up with zoning rules that fit all situations. Many potential scenarios were brought up where the proposed zoning changes would allow structures to be built that many would consider to be contrary to a particular community's character and to the MNO and the Residential Infill Guidelines. It was also noted that the City's Development Officers often "bend the rules" and consequently many developments have occurred that maybe should not have been allowed, so going forward, even having good rules in place will not have the desired effect if they are not adhered to.
I think the general consensus of the workshop was that these proposed changes are very complex and it is difficult for ordinary people like us to understand the potential consequences for our communities. As mentioned, many flaws were identified with the proposed changes but no clearly better solution was able to be identified either. It was the opinion of virtually everyone at the workshop that a lot of consultation should take place between City Planners and Community Representatives to "Get it Right". It was felt that this process would take at least 18 months. While the EFCL has tried to inform and engage Edmonton's communities on these Zoning Bylaw Amendments through these three workshops, this is really a process that should have taken place with the City Planners consulting with Communities to develop these amendments.
I would strongly encourage you to attend the third workshop (details at above)
Looking forward to a great year for our Community Leagues and for Edmonton!
Lindsay Smith
EFCL "Greater Strathcona" (District I) Director
www.efcl.org
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