725 Southlands Boulevard (Galway) 2023
The City has received an application from Galway Residential GP Incorporated to revise Schedules A to D in the Planned Mixed Development 1 (PMD1) Zone by reducing the frontage of proposed lots, including an expanded stormwater management area, and revising trail and open space locations. Schedules A to D form part of the PMD1 Zone standards and therefore any changes require an amendment to the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations. A Municipal Plan amendment is not needed.
Return to Planning St. John's main page
Updates
Questions
To ask a question you must create an account or log in.
These are the people that are listening and responding to your questions.
jar-_- asked
Based on the revised Schedule B, are there any potential design flaws, and how has the City and Developer factor in the consideration the 100-year floodplain and its elevation of approximately 190 meters: Floodplain Proximity: Will the development's proximity to the 100-year floodplain might pose a risk of flooding? The plan does not seem to include adequate buffer zones or flood mitigation strategies. Elevation Concerns: If parts of the development are lower than the 190-meter floodplain elevation, are these lower areas at risk? The plan does not clearly show if there are any elevation safeguards. Stormwater Management: Is the designated stormwater management area might sufficient, especially if the floodplain's water levels rise? There seems to be no secondary containment or overflow areas. Service Easement: The service easement near the floodplain could this be vulnerable to flooding, potentially disrupting utilities? The plan should consider relocating critical infrastructure. Green Space Placement: The Village Green and natural park (N.P.) are close to the floodplain, will this make Village Green, unusable during and after flood events? Residential Zoning Near Floodplain: Will residential zones near the floodplain require additional flood-proofing measures? These are not evident in the plan. Road Access: There appears to be only one main access point near the floodplain, which could be cut off in a flooding event, trapping residents. Emergency Evacuation Routes: The subdivision lacks clear emergency evacuation routes, particularly for areas adjacent to the floodplain. Where are the emergency routes? Land Use Planning: The plan places higher-density housing (apartment buildings or condos) near the floodplain, which could exacerbate the impact of a flooding event on more residents. What mitigation measures are being implemented to protect future residents? Infrastructure Durability: Will the infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks be designed for the increased moisture and potential overland water flow from the nearby floodplain? Considering these potential design flaws, the development would benefit from a comprehensive review by urban planners and civil engineers specializing in flood mitigation to ensure the community's long-term safety and sustainability.
jar-_- asked
Community Integrity at Stake: Our neighborhood's essence, characterized by its low-density and green character, is in jeopardy due to the proposed increase in housing density and reduction in lot sizes. How will the developers preserve the unique character of our community amidst these changes? Quality of Life Concerns: The reduction in green spaces and increased housing density could significantly alter our community's character, potentially eroding the quality of life. Were these impacts considered in the planning process? Construction Disruption: The anticipated construction phase, bringing increased noise and dust, could disrupt the tranquility of our community. What measures will be implemented to minimize this impact? Traffic and Infrastructure Strain: With more residents, we face potential traffic congestion and infrastructure strain. Is there a plan to enhance infrastructure to accommodate the increased population? Environmental Impact: The hilltop location of our community makes it susceptible to water runoff and erosion, heightened by the loss of vegetation. How will the revised water management systems address these environmental concerns? Legal and Trust Issues: As residents, we invested in our homes based on specific promises and covenants. How does the new plan align with these legal agreements, and what recourse do we have? Shadowing and Privacy: The construction of taller buildings could infringe on the privacy and natural light of existing homes. What guidelines are in place to prevent this? Property Values and Community Appeal: There's a concern that the proposed changes might devalue our properties. How will the development ensure the maintenance or enhancement of property values? Public Consultation and Transparency: It appears that the revision process lacked adequate public consultation. How can residents ensure their voices are heard and considered in future planning stages? Alternative Solutions: Were less disruptive alternatives explored that could meet expansion needs without compromising our community's character? Planning and Zoning Compliance: Does the increased density comply with local zoning and planning standards, which are vital for balanced community development? Precedent for Future Developments: This plan could set a concerning precedent, prioritizing profit over community welfare and agreements. How can we safeguard against such trends? Long-Term Environmental Consequences: The potential long-term environmental impacts, particularly on the Galway Wetlands, seem under-addressed. What studies support the environmental sustainability of this plan? Flood Risk and Erosion Mitigation: Given our hilltop location, effective flood risk management is crucial. How robust are the proposed water management facilities in mitigating these risks? Legal Recourse for Covenant Violations: If these changes violate existing covenants, what legal avenues are available to us for enforcement and protection of our rights? Violation of Existing Protective Covenants and Agreements: The proposed changes contravene the existing protective covenants that were agreed upon by current residents. These covenants, which specify lot sizes, green spaces, and community character, are legally binding agreements. What is being done to protect current residents? Misrepresentation: The marketing material, going back to 2015, statements in the media, have now become misleading and might result in financial loss or other harm, is a a case for misrepresentation possible? Covenants and HOA Rules: If certain standards or qualities of life are explicitly stated in the covenants, bylaws, or rules of a homeowners' association, these can be legally binding. Current residents were promised a certain standard of living, the proposed changes counter these agreements, therefore what legal action can current owners take against the proposed changes? Consumer Protection Laws: Some jurisdictions have laws that protect consumers from false or misleading advertising. These laws might come into play if the implications in marketing materials are deemed deceptive. Based on the marketing campaign dating back to as early as 2015, are any consumer protection laws being broken? Sustainability Integration: "How have sustainable development practices been integrated into the design and construction of the Galway development, especially considering the latest environmental standards and climate change projections?" Infrastructure Strain: "Can you provide detailed projections on how the increased population density will impact local infrastructure and what plans are in place to address these impacts?" Community Consultation Process: "What specific steps have been taken to ensure comprehensive community consultation, and how have the feedback and concerns of current residents been incorporated into the development plan?" Economic Impact Assessment: "Could you share a thorough economic impact assessment of this development, particularly focusing on how it will affect local businesses and property values in the surrounding areas?" Green Space and Recreational Facilities: "With the proposed increase in housing density, what specific measures are being implemented to ensure adequate green space and recreational facilities for both new and existing residents?" Traffic and Transportation Solutions: "Given the expected increase in residents, what innovative traffic management and transportation solutions are being considered to mitigate potential congestion and parking issues?" Environmental Impact Analysis: "Can you provide a detailed environmental impact analysis, especially concerning water management, Galway Wetland preservation, and natural habitat protection in the area?" Long-Term Community Support: "What long-term strategies are in place to support the community's development and maintenance, ensuring that Galway remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live for future generations?" Traffic Congestion Mitigation: "What specific measures are in place to manage the expected increase in traffic and prevent congestion, especially during peak hours?" Green Space Preservation: "How do you plan to preserve green spaces and local biodiversity in light of the proposed development density increase?" Stormwater Management: "Could you elaborate on the stormwater management plan, especially concerning the hilltop location and potential runoff issues as the number of impermeable surfaces like roads, sidewalks, and buildings increases, the ability of the land to naturally absorb rainwater decreases, leading to more surface runoff. This runoff needs to be managed effectively to prevent issues such as flooding, water pollution, and erosion. What is the developer and city proposing to address these challenges, including any 100 year storms? Higher-density What proactive measures to address the increased runoff challenges posed by denser construction and reduced permeable surfaces, especially in a topographically sensitive area like a hilltop?
Comments
725 Southlands Boulevard
This consultation has now closed.
If you prefer to provide comments or questions using mail or email, please do so to the Office of the City Clerk, including your name and address, e-mail cityclerk@stjohns.ca or write to P.O. Box 908, St. John’s, NL, A1C 5M2. Be sure to include the name of the application in your submission.