The City is working on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Guidelines and Standards which would allow more intense developments around stations, while improving pedestrian and cycling access to the LRT stations. Maximum densities are not specified in the TOD guidelines because higher density around LRT stations is being encouraged in order to maximize ridership. New construction of single-family homes would not be permitted, with the exception of home replacements. Row housing and low rise apartments would be the smallest buildings developed in the 400 m radius of an LRT station and in the 200 m radius of a major transit route.
The EFCL has been asked to provide feedback on the draft TOD Guidelines which will be revised in the next few weeks. Your Community League District representatives on the EFCL Planning Committee have already provided some preliminary feedback to the City on the proposed Transit-Oriented Development policies.In general they have expressed support for moderately increasing density around transit stations and improving pedestrian and cycling accessibility. They have said that higher density housing around LRT stations should be family friendly, especially when there is a school within 800 m of the station. Infill housing should meet the family friendly housing guidelines being developed by EFCL .
In addition, they believe there should be limits on density in order to address quality of life issues and predictability. They support the mandatory 30 m separation of houses from larger scale housing; however, the 30 m separation is greatly opposed by the development industry, thus this requirement may be removed from the TOD standards, unless there is significant public demand.
Furthermore, EFCL Planning Committee members have expressed support for the mandatory pedestrian and cycling enhancements around stations, including shorter blocks, wider sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes.
Finally, they have asked that historic buildings on the LRT route be identified and protected, believing that the historical character of each neighbourhood should be honored.
Before finalizing its response to the city the EFCL would like to hear from community leagues.
Do you support the ideas of the EFCL Planning Committee? What are your recommendations? Please take the time to review the draft TOD framework and send your comments to the EFCL Planning Committee. Also, you are invited to join the TOD discussion group or the December 1 city workshop by contacting Bev.Zubot@efcl.org, 780-437-6930.
|