Residents voice concerns about townhome, condo proposals for Beeton
were met with major concerns from residents and council at a public meeting held July 11.
Many expressed worries about flooding and traffic.
The meeting was held to discuss three proposals: Oxnard Beeton’s plan to build 116 townhomes on the western boundary of Beeton, Willow Glen’s proposal to construct 59 townhomes south of Mill Street East between Proctor Gate and Turner Drive and the Beeton Station Condominiums, which calls for two, four-storey buildings containing 87 units to built on the west side of Dayfoot Street, south of Danielle Gate.
The Beeton Station project is also slated to include a two-storey club house and a 200-parking space underground parking garage.
Ryan Guetter, the consultant for Oxnard Beeton’s townhome project, said they are well aware of the flooding issues in the community.
He said they have taken steps to ensure the development wouldn’t cause further problems through the use of various controls, including storm water management ponds that release water in a controlled manner. Still, many residents were skeptical this would be sufficient.
He also said the system is also being modelled for a 100-year-storm event, which occurred last summer.
Guetter was questioned about their plan to replace habitat that will be lost for endangered birds.
They were originally going to use a town-owned property that is already a habitat for the birds, but said they are reviewing this after a resident pointed out this doesn’t actually replace the land.
The owner of Borden Metals, which has operated for 63 years, also spoke to council to request a bigger buffer zone like a park be created between the homes and the business due to the noise the facility generates.
An additional public meeting will be held to allow the developer to respond to the concerns.
The top issue for the Willow Glen proposal was increased traffic on neighbouring side streets, with many residents calling on the developer to add an entrance from Mill Street in addition to the one from Sharpe Crescent.
The Beeton Station project was criticized for bringing too much density to the area, which many fear will cause traffic chaos on local roads, and for the shadows it will cast on neighbouring properties.
The town’s engineering department isn’t supporting the development until the owner can show it won’t adversely impact the infrastructure on Dayfoot Street. The town has also called it premature to begin construction until the street is rebuilt and urbanized.
But the developer argues that it has shown the infrastructure can handle the project, and that the traffic study was reviewed and accepted by the town’s consultant.
Flooding and storm water management was also questioned, but the developer noted the NVCA has confirmed a detailed flood hazard study is not required for the property.
Residents questioned why none of the proposed developments included affordable housing.
But it was noted by the presenters that townhomes are typically more affordable than other types of housing, and that the condo project is aiming to allow younger people and seniors to stay in the community by offering lower priced and smaller sized living spaces ranging between 900 to 1,200 square feet.