Resident Still Looking for Answers to Airport Land Development
By 250 News
Thursday, July 03, 2008 09:40 PM
Prince George, B.C. – Heath Ceperly is still looking for answers about the proposed light industrial land development plan in his neighbourhood.
(At right, Heath Ceperley stands to ask questions. photo, Opinion250 staff)
At a public meeting tonight to discuss the draft plan for the light industrial airport lands, Ceperley posed some questions to the City’s Long Range Planner Dan Milburn “When are you going to deal with us, the people who live on Gunn Road? When are you going to talk to us and let us know what you have planned? Tell me the date I’m going to be kicked off the property so I can move my kids somewhere safe, I would like to know.”
Ceperley is one of ten property owners along Gunn Road who have concerns about the impact of the plan to develop hundreds of hectares of land for light industrial use. He is also concerned about the proposed development of Boundary Road which has been identified as a possible link in the draft dangerous goods route study.
The meeting was meant to share details of the proposal for 1180 hectares north and west of the Prince George Airport. The plans would see 336 hectares left as green space, a further 118 hectares set aside for road right of ways. That would leave 726 hectares to be developed.
One after another expert addressed the gathering of about 50 people who wanted to hear more details about the project. The Air Quality plan indicates all roads and parking spaces will have to be paved, but even then, the target for Pm 10 will be exceeded, although its not clear how often it might be exceeded. The archaeological value of the site is considered high, so there will have to be special sampling to ensure no historical materials are lost. Environmental reports say all wetlands will have to be protected, and a corridor established to allow moose to travel through the area. There are provisions for water, sewer and storm water. The geo-technical reports say there are no real concerns, but some steeper slopes should be examined a little closer.
In all, it would appear all the bases have been covered, even to the point of promoting public transit, walking and bike trails for the 3,000 to 14,000 people who may one day work in the area.
The experts also noted the area north of Gunn Road has been zoned light industrial for 20 years, although there is a mix of uses in that region. The plan for Boundary Road (which would join Highway 16 to Highway 97 on a route running west of the Airport) has been in the City’s plan for 30 years.
The only thing holding back the grand scheme is a decision from the Agriculture Land Commission. “That decision was expected within 2-3 weeks of the public meeting in May, so they are behind schedule” says L&M Engineering’s Heather Oland. Regardless of the the ALC’s decision, the plans to move forward with at least a piece of the puzzle will carry on “We have about 160 acres for which we are waiting the final decision from City Council to proceed” says Oland. That piece of property is the old Moffat farm, north of the Airport. That piece of property was not in the Agriculture land reserve so once Council has made it’s decision the real work on that property can get underway. The parcel is considered the first phase of the overall development. “We hope to start clearing the property this fall and have it ready for sale next spring” says Oland.
But what of Heath Ceperley and his neighbours? What answers did he get?
Dan Milburn advised Ceperely every neighbourhood goes through change “What we’re hoping to do is mitigate the impact, we are trying to analyze and present the best scientific information so you can make a decision.” As for when the City and developers will deal with the residents of Gunn Road, Milburn says that is what is happening now “The Time to provide your input is now. This is where we are looking for you to help us shape this. Knowing that your City Council sees this vision for your area, you have to decide if you are looking to relocate or do you want to work with Council. Either way, now is the time to contribute.”
One of the ways to contribute is through a 7 question survey.
The questions ask if the respondent strongly agrees, agrees, is neutral, disagrees or strongly disagrees with the following statements:
- The proposed airport light industrial plan is an appropriate location for a light industrial land base for the City of Prince George.
- The proposed road network, including the extension of Boundary Road, provides the necessary road linkages to promote safe and effective transportation through this and adjacent land uses.
- The proposed uses of the Airport Light Industrial Plan lands such as a logistics facility, warehousing, distribution centre and manufacturing centres are appropriate in this location
- The Proposed Airport Light Industrial Plan will benefit the community y providing economic opportunities and employment to local residents
- Environmentally sensitive areas and their protection are adequately incorporated into the proposed airport light industrial plan
- The proposed pedestrian, cyclist links and public transit, (road, sidewalk, greenspace, trail network and connections to neighbouring areas) are sufficient to promote alternative transportation choices
- Are there any issues or concerns not covered above that you want to make sure are addressed as part of the planning process for the Airport Light Industrial Plan.
The survey is to be completed and returned to Heather Oland at L&M Engineering or Dan Milburn at City Hall by July 11th.
Oland says public input will shape the final plan “What we learn from you will be incorporated into the plan and the policies.”
The final plan is expected to be reviewed by City Council this fall.
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Posted by: owl on July 3 2008 10:23 PM
Work with Council????? And Mr. Milburn made what suggestion about what they will change when a present resident in the area is affected???
This guy Milburn is for real??? When is he going to learn how to do his job in a procative way working with the people in this community? What an assinine commetn to make!!! He needs to go back to be retrained!!