Second committee to push Blue Bonnets committee
A committee was created in 2023 to hustle along plans to build housing on the old Blue Bonnets land. Now the city has created a second committee to encourage the first. Nice aerial photo shows the extent of the old racecourse.
jeather 11:53 on 2025-05-14 Permalink
Committees all the way down.
Ephraim 19:29 on 2025-05-14 Permalink
This is exactly why things never get done. The city already knows the size of the land in square metres. We also know that for a neighbourhood served by a metro, the typical density is about 100 dwellings per hectare, or 5,000 to 10,000 dwellings per square kilometre. In Paris, for example, the density is at least 20,000 people per square kilometre, with the optimal range being 20,000 to 30,000 people per square kilometre. So, we know the minimum required per hectare. Assuming an average of two people per dwelling, the city should be able to determine what percentage of housing needs to be affordable. By looking at surrounding neighbourhoods, it should also be able to estimate how many two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom units are needed, as well as what proportion of the area should be allocated to retail versus residential use.
The city could even design this part of the city with zero street parking. All parking could be assigned to residences, because if any street parking is left available, it will just become free parking for people using the metro. All parking should be paid spots, and the city can likely calculate the required parking density as well. Small areas—one or two spaces per hectare—could be set aside for visitors, deliveries, and similar needs. They also need to plan for mail delivery.
If I can figure out most of this without a committee, why is it so difficult for the city to do the same?