Fraser Bench Lands Altered

Monday, March 03, 2008 07:34 PM

Architectural rendering of a street in Fraser River Bench Lands

Prince George, B.C. – The Fraser Bench Neighbourhood plan will have some changes to its zoning because of geo-technical concerns and water modelling indicated there wouldn't be enough water pressure for fire hydrants in phase one.

Development Services Dan Milburn says the planned neighbourhood is not expected to experience any flood issues as the top of bank is at least 2 meters above the 200 year flood level.

Prince George City Council gave third reading tonight to the request following a public hearing.

Originally, there was to be a multi-family zoning at the “toe of the slope” but experts say that may not be wise. Instead, the zoning for that section will be changed and Malaspina Avenue will be realigned.

There is at least one other issue, for instance, the request to have one crescent narrower than normal ( 8.5 meters instead of 10 meters), smaller lots, higher heights for homes, special street lighting that is not the "cobra" style used in other parts of the city.

There is also a concern about archeological value of the site, Fortwood Homes has hired an archeologist to deal with all such matters.

Fortwood wil place a covenant on the property outlining that no more than 200 homes be built in phase one. At that point, there would need to be a traffic study done. Construction would hold at that point until the traffic analysis and any corresponding road upgrades are complete.

The initial traffic study on Malaspina indicated the road is providing "level B" service, which L&M Engineering says is a very good level of service.

While Councillor Glen Scott says he has "reservations" about the development, Councilor Brian Skakun was the only one to vote against the proposal saying he has traffic and noise concerns.

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Posted on Monday, March 03, 2008 07:34 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Harbinger on March 3 2008 7:46 PM

Nice rendering by the artist. How come he wasn't around when the "hood" was being planned? Things might have been different there now. By the way, how are unemployed mill workers gonna be able to buy these? Does the builder know something the rest of us don't? With purchase of these fine homes will there be a "no whine" clause in the bill of sale when it comes to train whistles?

Posted by: Harbinger on March 3 2008 7:47 PM

Archaeological concerns? Just write them off as KFC chicken bones and keep working.

Posted by: astro on March 3 2008 8:30 PM

Keep on building, destroy the urban forests, and exquisite trails so a few can make a few bucks. And you wonder why the air quality is so bad. This area is a wonder natural part of PG and it will be cut down. As for traffic, wait until you drive down Malaspina and merge onto Cowart Rd or better yet, turn up onto Cowart.

Posted by: Runner46 on March 3 2008 10:06 PM

What the heck is an urban forest? What differentiats it from a rural forest?

Is it what we call "the bush" but just near houses?

Posted by: Eagleone on March 4 2008 7:50 AM

Urban forest - A unique natural landscape in close proximity to homes providing access to nature. That would be my opinion of a definition. Each could chose to enjoy it depending on how they view nature I guess.

I think that area has a great urban forest that we are destroying so a developer can make money building a style of homes that no one in these parts wants.

I for sure do not think this location should have been zoned residentual until at minimum PG has a heavy emission industrial site outside the city airshed... otherwise the whole city will pay the costs in the future in jobs lost (residential opposition - proximity), and not just the neighbourhood who is losing their urban forest.

Posted by: Eagleone on March 4 2008 7:51 AM

City planning at its worst IMO.

Posted by: Foo738 on March 4 2008 9:17 AM

Once again, lack of concern for existing neighbourhoods by this City Council, all except Skakun.
No wonder people leave Prince George, it is just not safe to invest in a residence in this City.

Posted by: Harbinger on March 4 2008 9:39 AM

Urban forest alongside yer $400,000 house? Just a plus when it comes to taking yer mutt out fer a poop.

Posted by: seamutt on March 4 2008 11:20 AM

Check out that area for noise, very loud industrial noise. Cut down the trees and it will only get worse.Now take that industry was in the BCR site before all these homes. Once the homes are built they will start screaming about the noise, just like people build next to an exsisting airport then start compaining of the noise. Take a drive around the nice new and expensive homes at the end of Malispina, then stop and listen to the noise. At night it can get very loud.

Posted by: seamutt on March 4 2008 11:22 AM

Notice how they jam in multilevel homes. Folks just think of your knees as you get older.

Posted by: Harbinger on March 4 2008 5:07 PM

I'm asking if there is a five foot distance from the property line to the house. Houses ten feet apart and then add the overhanging eaves? Hmmmm? How does the fire insurance companies feel about this?

Posted by: NMG on March 4 2008 6:32 PM

Does anyone know how large these houses are expected to be and/or the market they are going after? If the homes are smaller and they are trying to sell to a population that can't afford $375K for a new home, I think it will do well.