By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: April. 14, 2012
Traffic studies for Crumpit Woods development have been submitted to the district and the current road access through Westway is more than adequate, says David Rittberg, land development manager of the housing subdivision.
“We did a traffic study few years ago, and it was updated and submitted to the district. These are the same traffic engineers that do all the work for the district,” he added.
In emails and comments on the blogosphere, residents have expressed concerns about the effect of the new subdivision on Westway Ave., the only vehicular access to the neighbourhood.
“Traffic is a district issue, and we our traffic plan has been reviewed by district engineers, and it satisfies the district’s engineering department requirements,” Rittberg said.
Rittberg said people critical of this development should understand that this is a development considered appropriate for housing.
“I think people should read the OCP and understand how the development in the district unfolds. This is an area that has been zoned for housing,” he said.
Rittberg said Crumpit Woods is a “home-grown” development brought to the community by Squamish developers committed to support the local economy.
On the loss of forested area, Rittberg said the environmental consultants have worked diligently on the issue.
“We have talked with the trails people, SORCA, all other parties involved. We have also gone through the Canadian Environment Assessment Act process,” he noted.
“It’s been scrutinised at multiple levels. This is not something that someone dreams up in an afternoon,” he added.
Crumpit Woods developers had earlier annouced the site preparation work would begin this week. Tree clearing would kick start the first phase of the subdivision, which comprises 44 single‐family building lots.
“We wanted to let people know about tree removal at this very first stage of the development,” he added.
The Crumpit Woods subdivision has been in the offing for more than a few years now, but had been delayed because of the economy and housing market conditions in Squamish.
Rittberg said there has been a tacit approval from the council for the project. A servicing agreement for the subdivision will soon be signed between the district and the proponents.
“This project is very exciting news for Squamish. In total, it represents about $50 million in capital construction costs,” Rittberg said.
The average lot will be 9,000 sq-ft. The developer also plans to build homes there and sell them along with the lots. The subdivision is located northwest of the intersection of Westway Avenue and Plateau Drive.
The proponent, Diamond Head Land Company Ltd., is part of the Cardinal Concrete Group of Companies. The most recent residential development for the group was the Edgewater Townhouse complex, completed in 2006.
heather says
I’m sure we can be assured that this development will not retain one single tree within the area up for development – as has happened in the area alongside Walmart that has been cleared and flattened. It’s a different type of mindset, and not easy to understand. At the same time so much fuss occurred about the few trees that were chopped down on the trails. All trees are of value….