The promise of a park and improved storm water management has local environmental groups supporting a 26-lot subdivision proposed by ParkLane that was roundly trashed in Port Moody earlier this year.
At least three local environmental groups are now supporting a proposal by ParkLane Heritage Woods Development Ltd. to create a bare-land strata project north of Hickory Drive, Fernway Drive and Cranberry Court. The clincher, says Elaine Golds, spokesperson for Burke Mountain Naturalists and the Port Moody Ecological Society, was the promise of converting 35.5 acres of an upland reserve into a park and special measures to reduce the impact of development on Noons and West Noons creeks.
"They've done a number of measures to ensure those water flows to the tributaries [of the creeks]," explained Golds, who said restoring water flows to the creeks is an important environmental concern.
Golds expressed disappointment, however, that a public discussion of the project Tuesday had to be cancelled because two members of PoMo's land use committee failed to show up, resulting in the lack of a quorum.
The overflow crowd in the Brovold Room had to be turned away and city spokesman Leslyn Johnson said another meeting will be planned to gather public input. But she noted that the councillors who are on the committee showed up, it was the two public members who did not.
Council shot down ParkLane's first proposal last winter after a public hearing but the new plan proposes to reduce the number of lots to 26 from 27, remove a cul de sac and make the lots smaller, reducing their footprint, Golds said. As well, each lot will be planted with native vegetation at the back where an infiltration trench will drain water flowing off the roof. Pavers instead of concrete will be used in patios and piping will be used to redirect storm water from the tributaries during heavy rains. Golds said the measures will mimic natural water flows as much as possible.
According to the plan, the water management strategy will recharge 85% of water flows back into the creek.
Golds said her groups were consulted in the revamped plan, as was the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society, which runs the Mossom Creek hatchery. BIMES spokesperson Ruth Foster said she also supports ParkLane's new proposal.
According to Golds (The Tri-City News' Green Scene columnist), the addition of a 35.5-acre park, where popular hiking and biking trails are now located, might go some way to alleviate concerns of Heritage Woods residents who criticized the plan when it was first introduced.
"People right below might not be happy, because there will be development above them," she said, "but it will be less intrusive and hopefully it will not be damaging to the tributaries, and I love having the rest of the area protected."
