by Jenny Humphrey
What a great Christmas gift for the residents of Slaterville to see the progress of Slaterville’s neighbourhood plan and the work that has been put into this by city staff. I don’t live in Slaterville, nor do I own property there but my interest in that neglected part of town began long ago when I was introduced to a lovely walk, which led out of town from the end of 6th St NW. In August of 2010 amid the lively discussions of densification, Smart Growth and the East Hill, a rezoning application for Slaterville came before Council and I recalled a Brown Bag Lunch from April of 2009 when Steve Lehman had appeared to talk about the lack of services and apparent neglect that this area of our community felt. I refreshed my memory with a slow walk around Slaterville and its quaintness of character and its historical significance once more struck a chord.
The Cranbrook Guardian posted:
http://livablecranbrook.blogspot.com/2010/08/significantly-slaterville.html
After a few phone calls I discovered a facebook page that exemplified the connection and fond memories Slaterville residents have for this historical part of Cranbrook.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2363610675#!/group.php?gid=2363610675&v=wall
After a discussion with Councillor Whetham about what could be done, Councillor Whetham undertook to meet with some residents and put the wheels in motion to formally request that a Neighbourhood Plan be initiated. It was and the results were revealed at an Open House on Wednesday December 14th 2011.
The determination of residents, their council representation and city planners has resulted in a plan for some definite improvements to this forgotten part of Cranbrook. Maybe once again Slaterville will take its significant place as an equal and important part of Cranbrook. I look forward to seeing the improvements take place.
 |
| Just one of the suggested plans presented at the Open House for the Slaterville Neighbourhood Plan. This map showed areas for potential sidewalks, a direct trail to Pinewood School, speed bumps and intersection improvements. |
I like the idea of the intersection improvement in front of Bridge Interiors. The concrete curb look is a little too industrial for the entrance to Slaterville. I see that there is a landscaping business adjacent to the intersection that has done some substantial frontage improvements. You have a nice soccer field right across the street. Why not re-align this intersection and have a triangle shaped planting area with a "Welcome to Slaterville" sign. We've got a number of comunity minded businesses (and govt agencies) in close proximity, each of whom would benefit by streetscape improvement and may have funds that could be donated to a project. Be a great way to inaugurate the whole neighbourhood plan development. Just takes a couple of Slaterville residents to lift up the banner and run with the idea....
ReplyDelete