While would-be neighbours of a proposed 425-unit development voiced opposition to the project, local builders were ready to get out their shovels.
On June 24, Squamish residents came out to state their views on the proposed Kingswood project. Those for and against the project were spilt down the middle, with the pro side pulling slightly ahead. One thing was apparent at the public hearing held at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre: The mixed-use development has stirred up heated emotions in both camps.
Watch the video of the council meeting on the Kingswood project
"I fear that this development will negatively impact the neighbourhood's quality of life," Marion von Dehn told District of Squamish council. "It is a quiet street, it is a small neighbourhood."
Traffic flow has plagued the project earmarked for Scott Crescent. Its access for northbound traffic is off Highway 99, but southbound traffic would be directed through the Hospital Hill neighbourhood.
In early June, proponents and municipal staff outlined plans to create a diverter island at the Scott Crescent/Lower Clarke Drive/Clarke Drive intersection. Its purpose would be to break up traffic, directing predominantly right-turn traffic movement onto Lower Clarke Drive heading southbound, while inbound traffic would use Behrner Drive.
That's not a big difference from the original Red Point development traffic-flow plans proposed eight years ago, a plan that was rejected by the council of the day, Harbour View Place resident Walt Patterson said.
"If the difference is the [community] amenity package, then we are giving things away for candy," he said, referring to the close to $1 million package that includes a promise to build a pedestrian bridge across the Upper Mamquam Blind Channel.
The proposed five-storey buildings are too tall for the neighbourhood, Patterson added. He asked whether any thought was given to current residents’ sightlines.
