Lansdowne Park Redevelopment Phase 1 | Completed - Page 190

alecz_dad · #**3781** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 4:21 AM**

I guess if the City is unwilling to consider working with the GCA on developing an area plan for parking restrictions -- in order to prevent neighbouring residential streets from becoming overflow parking, while giving residents the ability to have visitors -- then it will be up to residents to petition for changes street by street.

The City says it has no problem with having restrictions during the daytime, but cannot abide them in the evening. But, of course, that's when residents without their own parking need access to street parking when they come home from work.

As I understand, there is still the standard process for residents of a street to petition for changes to the parking rules on their street. I'm told it's pretty pro-forma. Get 60% to support a change and it's supposed to be a slam-dunk.

I'll be curious if the City will treat these petitions the same way as it does those in other parts of the city? Or will it veto them because they're not in keeping with their plans to use neighbouring streets to make up for the shortfall in onsite parking for the density of amenities planned for Lansdowne?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketphish

Glebe residents want parking restrictions near Lansdowne; city promises more monitoring

By Michael Woods, OTTAWA CITIZEN March 5, 2014 7:22 PM

OTTAWA — Glebe residents are worried that without new parking restrictions in place near Lansdowne Park, their streets will become a congestion nightmare when the revitalized former fairground reopens this summer.

Brian Mitchell of the Glebe Community Association told a transportation committee meeting on Wednesday that the city’s plans to continue monitoring traffic patterns aren’t enough; there need to be proactive measures taken before Lansdowne opens so surrounding streets don’t become parking lots.

“It doesn’t take monitoring to know that there already is a problem,” said Mitchell. “Adding more cars into the mix is going to cause a real problem for us.”

The already-busy area surrounding Lansdowne will soon see thousands more people per day flocking to the more than 400,000 square feet of retail space.

In a presentation, Mitchell asked that residents living two to three blocks from Lansdowne be allowed to use the city’s guest parking permit system, and that on-street parking be reduced from three hours to one. He said residents are worried that people heading to the movies or shopping will search nearby streets to park for free in the evenings instead of parking in the 1,300-space underground garage.

“Anyone living on a narrow residential road that suddenly has a 10-screen Cineplex placed near their street, together with destination grocery and sporting goods stores, is going to be concerned about the traffic impact,” he said.

He also asked that access to Holmwood Avenue, which runs along the north side of Lansdowne, be closed from Bank Street to discourage cut-through and parking-seeking traffic. He said those streets are already at 85 per cent parking capacity based on the city’s own study. And for big events at Lansdowne, people are prepared to park further away — six to eight blocks, he said.

However, the city is still focused on doing more monitoring in the area. City staff also pointed out that the council-approved transportation strategy for Lansdowne is based on an available parking supply in the Glebe, especially for special events such as Redblacks football games.

“If we start reducing that parking supply and introduce parking restrictions ... it is in fact undermining the approvals that council already gave,” John Smit, city manager of urban development review, told the committee.

City traffic manager Phil Landry said there’s no problem with changing the parking regulations from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., because the traffic plan assumes all day-to-day traffic can be accommodated on site.

But evenings and weekends are a different story.

“Because (guest parking passes) can be used 24 hours a day, it potentially impacts the parking that’s been approved by council that’s required for the site,” he said. “For anything in the evenings or on weekends, we can’t do anything at this point. We have to monitor to see what the usage is and what the impacts are.”

He said the city already has parking data and is collecting more. As time goes on, city staff will be able to see what parking impact the new Lansdowne is having on the surrounding neighbourhood.

“It’s come out that we should be more proactive than reactive, but we’ve had experiences in the past where we’ve done proactive things and then we’ve been asked to pull those things back,” he said. Taking measures such as restricting access to Holmwood “have a big impact,” he said.

The city is hoping that people who might decide to drive to Lansdowne initially will later opt to take public transit or, for big events, planned shuttles from park-and-rides.

A newly-formed committee made up of city staff, community representatives and others will oversee the continued monitoring of transportation issues, including how effectively the city is encouraging use of sustainable transportation options.

[email protected]
twitter.com/michaelrwoods

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa...ctions+near+Lansdowne/9583396/story.html

YOWetal · #**3782** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 2:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecz_dad

I guess if the City is unwilling to consider working with the GCA on developing an area plan for parking restrictions -- in order to prevent neighbouring residential streets from becoming overflow parking, while giving residents the ability to have visitors -- then it will be up to residents to petition for changes street by street.

The City says it has no problem with having restrictions during the daytime, but cannot abide them in the evening. But, of course, that's when residents without their own parking need access to street parking when they come home from work.

As I understand, there is still the standard process for residents of a street to petition for changes to the parking rules on their street. I'm told it's pretty pro-forma. Get 60% to support a change and it's supposed to be a slam-dunk.

I'll be curious if the City will treat these petitions the same way as it does those in other parts of the city? Or will it veto them because they're not in keeping with their plans to use neighbouring streets to make up for the shortfall in onsite parking for the density of amenities planned for Lansdowne?

I am not aware of this guest parking system. Do residents need to pay for these passes? Are you sure that 60% of residents of a street means an automatic change for the street? It seems that if this was the case many streets that are near offices or high parking demand areas would ask for this. For example streets in the North Market and in Westboro still have 2 and 3 hour parking.

I would think that this is an area where a smart strategy would be bring OSEG in as an ally. They would prefer that their parking is used first and I would think would be supportive of a 1 hour limit.

alecz_dad · #**3783** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 3:34 PM**

I'm still not clear on whether the guest parking system is in place. My understanding is that residents would pay a small amount per permit, and they could provide them to guests. This will likely be necessary around Lansdowne anyway, since all street parking spots will probably be in use any time there's an event or evenings once the 1300-seat cinema is up and running.

However, in my discussions with the City's parking poobah, he seemed to say that it was simply a matter of getting 66% of residents on a street to sign a City-approved petition (of the wording, not the intent) for a change in parking rules. Then Staff would give its recommendation (supposedly non-binding) and the ward councillor would have a final say (I would hope Chernushenko would approve in most cases).

Yes, OSEG would want people to park in their garage. But in the day-to-day they also don't want to scare off the cheapskates who would rather park on the street by there being 1-hour parking and the danger of a ticket.

Also, it's been clear from the outset that there are not enough spaces onsite to accommodate all of the amenities wedged into Lansdowne, especially during an event. There aren't even as many spaces as there were surface spaces before, despite the fact that there will be far more people converging on Lansdowne.

I don't really see how OSEG could be brought in as an ally. They already hold all the cards. And in my view, their whole (over)development is premised on spaces on residential surrounding Lansdowne to make up for the thousands of spaces shortfall onsite.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOWetal

I am not aware of this guest parking system. Do residents need to pay for these passes? Are you sure that 60% of residents of a street means an automatic change for the street? It seems that if this was the case many streets that are near offices or high parking demand areas would ask for this. For example streets in the North Market and in Westboro still have 2 and 3 hour parking.

I would think that this is an area where a smart strategy would be bring OSEG in as an ally. They would prefer that their parking is used first and I would think would be supportive of a 1 hour limit.

JFFournier · #**3784** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 4:06 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecz_dad

I haven't particularly noticed anyone in the Glebe hassling panhandlers or charity street-campaigners.

@JFF, please elaborate on your remark.

I've spent a significant portion of the past numbers of years listening to some Glebe residents doing everything they could to keep those loud, icky, beer-drinking, football fans out of the neighborhood so to read your finger-wagging about behaviour towards "undesirables" cracks me right up.

While we're elaborating, care to share your experience with this?

"No doubt the public will be welcome as long as they come with money in their pockets, are not young people or panhandlers hanging around spooking the lovely suburban folks enticed in for a game, or charity street campaigners or Buy Nothing Day marchers reminding shoppers of the outside world."

What do you base yourself on there? Why is there "no doubt"?

alecz_dad · #**3785** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 4:57 PM**

JFF, you'll notice that undesirables was in scare quotes?

I'll elaborate to say that I have grown up in various parts of the downtowns of various cities, and that panhandlers, kids with weird hair, and various other marginalized people are part of the scene, and so even though they may sometimes be annoying or disruptive, I'm accustomed to them, they are few in number and generally pretty benign.

However, I would say that my experience with Lansdowne sport event attendees has often been negative. I have seen many times more shouting, fighting, public drinking, public —, breaking of bottles, illegal parking, dangerous driving, annoyingly constant searching for free parking, etc. in my neighbourhood from Lansdowne attendees than from panhandlers. As far as who has the most negative impact on my quality of life, Lansdowne-goers win, hands-down.

Nonetheless, however much of this occurs, it will occur. But I hope the City and OSEG will act quickly and decisively to deal with these negative behaviours. And I still will be interested to see how the full range of public access and expression at Lansdowne is ensured. Or not.

I say "no doubt," because nothing about how big box mall developers like Trinity run their other properties makes me think they'll be friendly towards anything that distracts or disturbs consumers spending to the max. It is by definition, what they do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFFournier

I've spent a significant portion of the past numbers of years listening to some Glebe residents doing everything they could to keep those loud, icky, beer-drinking, football fans out of the neighborhood so to read your finger-wagging about behaviour towards "undesirables" cracks me right up.

While we're elaborating, care to share your experience with this?

"No doubt the public will be welcome as long as they come with money in their pockets, are not young people or panhandlers hanging around spooking the lovely suburban folks enticed in for a game, or charity street campaigners or Buy Nothing Day marchers reminding shoppers of the outside world."

What do you base yourself on there? Why is there "no doubt"?

EdFromOttawa · #**3786** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 5:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecz_dad

JFF, you'll notice that undesirables was in scare quotes?

I'll elaborate to say that I have grown up in various parts of the downtowns of various cities, and that panhandlers, kids with weird hair, and various other marginalized people are part of the scene, and so even though they may sometimes be annoying or disruptive, I'm accustomed to them, they are few in number and generally pretty benign.

However, I would say that my experience with Lansdowne sport event attendees has often been negative. I have seen many times more shouting, fighting, public drinking, public —, breaking of bottles, illegal parking, dangerous driving, annoyingly constant searching for free parking, etc. in my neighbourhood from Lansdowne attendees than from panhandlers. As far as who has the most negative impact on my quality of life, Lansdowne-goers win, hands-down.

Nonetheless, however much of this occurs, it will occur. But I hope the City and OSEG will act quickly and decisively to deal with these negative behaviours. And I still will be interested to see how the full range of public access and expression at Lansdowne is ensured. Or not.

I say "no doubt," because nothing about how big box mall developers like Trinity run their other properties makes me think they'll be friendly towards anything that distracts or disturbs consumers spending to the max. It is by definition, what they do.

One of the most downright irritating laws in the whole country. Why shouldn't you be able to drink where you want? In Europe there are no open container laws and you can drink literally wherever you please. Makes for a much more fun atmosphere in the downtown with everyone spilling out of bars/bar areas and just talking and drinking and such. On a nice warm evening it is the most pleasant thing in the world.

Wish it would come to Canada.

JFFournier · #**3787** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 5:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecz_dad

However, I would say that my experience with Lansdowne sport event attendees has often been negative. I have seen many times more shouting, fighting, public drinking, public —, breaking of bottles, illegal parking, dangerous driving, annoyingly constant searching for free parking, etc. in my neighbourhood from Lansdowne attendees than from panhandlers. As far as who has the most negative impact on my quality of life, Lansdowne-goers win, hands-down.

Be that as it may, it misses the point.

I'm not comparing the two. And no one would enjoy what you describe.

What I found funny is the suggestion that those running Lansdowne would be such awful people if/when they dealt with undesirables when many people in your neighborhood would have welcomed a similar solution for a different group that you don't like.

Except that your group would have had no problem including those (like myself) who don't engage in the kind of behaviour that you describe along with the "undesirables". But, hey, collateral damage happens...

alecz_dad · #**3788** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 6:18 PM**

OSEG amigo Bill Shenkman would likely not agree with you (at least not when it's on his doorstep).

He agitated to shut down a pub around the corner from his flat in London's tony Mayfair that was causing noise and disturbance due to "'shouting and singing' and assorted 'intolerable noise'... people urinating in the street... broken glass is habitually strewn outside the establishment's doors - threatening children's safety." Sound familiar?

Guess we'll see what happens at Lansdowne. I wonder if the expatriate Mr. Shenkman will offer the same consideration to his Lansdowne neighbours, as he expects of his London neighbours?

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFromOttawa

One of the most downright irritating laws in the whole country. Why shouldn't you be able to drink where you want? In Europe there are no open container laws and you can drink literally wherever you please. Makes for a much more fun atmosphere in the downtown with everyone spilling out of bars/bar areas and just talking and drinking and such. On a nice warm evening it is the most pleasant thing in the world.

Wish it would come to Canada.

JFFournier · #**3789** Posted **Mar 6, 2014, 7:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecz_dad

Guess we'll see what happens at Lansdowne. I wonder if the expatriate Mr. Shenkman will offer the same consideration to his Lansdowne neighbours, as he expects of his London neighbours?

What would you expect from Shenkman, exactly?

alecz_dad · #**3790** Posted **Mar 7, 2014, 1:57 AM**

I expect nothing from him.

Just wanted to point out that clearly billionaires operate by different rules when it's their peace and quiet that's being disturbed, as opposed to someone else's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFFournier

What would you expect from Shenkman, exactly?

Ecriptic · #**3791** Posted **Mar 7, 2014, 7:47 AM**

WHO'S STREETS???

[IMG]

[/IMG]

OSEG'S Streets!!!

No doubt it will be like the Super-Ex, all year-round. All details aside, one thing is for sure, it's gonna be a ZOO!

...and just a side note: it would be good if people learned how to drink responsibly before we let them go spilling out on to our streets and into traffic... lol

... Europe is a ZOO! - not saying it's can't be fun, but is North America really ready to be all grown up?

Top o' the Mornin' to ya.

S-Man · #**3792** Posted **Mar 7, 2014, 2:44 PM**

Football fans!! Turn off the lights and hide!!

They're worse than impoverished students!

Radster · #**3793** Posted **Mar 7, 2014, 4:02 PM**

If you can`t beat em, join em Alecz_Dad, see you at the games!

Boxster · #**3794** Posted **Mar 7, 2014, 9:48 PM**

Be nice!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radster

If you can`t beat em, join em Alecz_Dad, see you at the games!

citizen j · #**3795** Posted **Mar 8, 2014, 3:59 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ecriptic

WHO'S STREETS???

[IMG]

[/IMG]

OSEG'S Streets!!!

No doubt it will be like the Super-Ex, all year-round. All details aside, one thing is for sure, it's gonna be a ZOO!

...and just a side note: it would be good if people learned how to drink responsibly before we let them go spilling out on to our streets and into traffic... lol

... Europe is a ZOO! - not saying it's can't be fun, but is North America really ready to be all grown up?

Top o' the Mornin' to ya.

WHAT??? There are going to be people on that site all year round? Like in a real city? STFU!

Ecriptic · #**3796** Posted **Mar 9, 2014, 6:10 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by citizen j

WHAT??? There are going to be people on that site all year round? Like in a real city? STFU!

Ha! City folk... SFB!

JCL · #**3797** Posted **Mar 10, 2014, 2:15 PM**

Minor fire this morning at Lansdowne Park: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa...site+causes+thousands/9599848/story.html

EdFromOttawa · #**3798** Posted **Mar 10, 2014, 6:12 PM**

Hey guys there is a comprehensive picture update on the TD Place facebook page, but here are some highlights. Pictures taken today (Monday, March 10).

This stadium is really coming along and will be an absolutely fantastic place to catch Ottawa Fury and Ottawa Redblacks games...

I can't emphasize enough how proud I am at this project, both for our city, and for our pro sports scene. This is something every Ottawan should be excited about. What an opportunity to get our city on the map like never before.

Enjoy.

And for those curious about TD Place Arena (formerly Civic Center), this is what it currently looks like. Scaffolding city. The whole place is getting a complete and total refresh. Gonna be the crown jewel of the OHL no doubt about it.

Fatty McButterpants · #**3799** Posted **Mar 10, 2014, 7:17 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFromOttawa

Hey guys there is a comprehensive picture update on the TD Place facebook page, but here are some highlights. Pictures taken today (Monday, March 10).

This stadium is really coming along and will be an absolutely fantastic place to catch Ottawa Fury and Ottawa Redblacks games...

I can't emphasize enough how proud I am at this project, both for our city, and for our pro sports scene. This is something every Ottawan should be excited about. What an opportunity to get our city on the map like never before.

Enjoy.

Looks okay(ish)

J.OT13 · #**3800** Posted **Mar 11, 2014, 4:48 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFromOttawa

And for those curious about TD Place Arena (formerly Civic Center), this is what it currently looks like. Scaffolding city. The whole place is getting a complete and total refresh. Gonna be the crown jewel of the OHL no doubt about it.

Did they completely gut the Civic Centre!?