What’s going on in St. Helen’s Park?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Community Profile.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Surrey n’hood built in 1950s, with some 1970s housing additions
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Low density, single-storey + basement homes
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Bounded by secondary arterials, not far from Surrey Centre
The debate.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Must SHP become like other Surrey residential neighbourhoods?
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Should the community allow mega-homes?
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What is the long term plan for the neighbourhood?
Typical streets.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Homes set far back from street
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No sidewalks or curbs
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No close local shopping
Car dependent, no transit service
No parks, public space
Cars first.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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The car rules, with lots of hard surface provided for driveways
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Some signs of poverty, but homes and yards are mostly clean and well-kept
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Very few signs of exterior upgrades
Is this sustainable?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Poor sight-lines invite public disorder
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Where will kids play, or how can they walk safely to school?
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Where is the opportunity for growth?
Aging apartment stock.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Apartment buildings exist on the edges of the community
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Far too low density to be sustainable in Metro Vancouver
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Little local shopping b/c not enough people, and too car dependent
Got solutions?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Where’s the ‘win-win’ if you don’t think outside the box?
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Need to accommodate newcomers, embrace diversity, and new housing types
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Reduce car dependency
Let’s add density!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Start with the obvious places like this plaza
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Look at putting mixed use buildings here, min. 10 storeys
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Remove surface parking; ensure good transit connections
“Rethink” the ‘hood.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Subdivide lots and remove distance between homes
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Move closer to the street to allow more backyard space + improve public safety
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Create multi-unit homes that are pleasing to look at
Improve public realm.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Empower communities to add value to the streets
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Place importance on shared public space
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Consider children & seniors in n’hood design
Be bold!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Create affordability
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Embrace new housing types
Value good design Build safe, walkable neighbourhoods