Hi East End
Anyone moving into a new community should take into consideration that the amenities will follow, always not on your schedule but on the the developers. Sad but true. The South End has waited 10 years for their Zehrs. "No longer ignored" sorry you feel you have been ignored. I know this feeling from when The Ward had potholes the size of garbage bins, and broken up sidewalks. Painting yourself as a victim is a huge disservice, but maybe that is just a couple of people's view. I'll know better soon. On the upside, you get to choose what you want in your neighbourhood, and you can bet you have the planners' attention now.
Our Mayor made the announcement that Loblaws is continuing the conversation and hopes to bring with it other retail or commercial businesses. Each of those businesses have a marketing team who have to do their own marketing analysis. Plans across the road include ground level commercial with high intensification above. The Library sits on property that has a work live zoning. The Loblaws property and the Coletera Development is your current focus. Across is the street the site plan application for 5 condominium developments is available for review.
Lets be proactive.
My great idea, Developers are once in a while encouraged by City Planning to swap land. Convince the planners that this is the right decision in this case. Have Coletera develop the back parcel of land that Loblaws owns, it over looks a beautiful forest and it will be a huge draw to prospective residents. Have Zehrs build in the front parcel, they will have front access and be highly visible.
Here is the tip I want to share with you.
1)Bring together concerned citizens, I know there are many. You do it, don't wait for Councillors, be independent
2)Create a Neighbourhood Association, it has to be an Association because neighbourhood groups sometimes are non for profit and are in a position to accept funds from the City of Guelph. Not accepting funds keeps your integrity and allows you to disagree.
3)Make a list of what you want at each of those huge parcels of land. Create your community. You have the rare opportunity to create your neighbourhood.
Bring the planners and developers into the conversation around your neighbourhood. Have them find value in where you find value.
Be postive and proactive, with this you will attain the change you are looking for, and earn respect along the way.
here are two active development applications
78 Starwood Coletera is here
http://guelph.ca/2014/05/78-starwood-drive-2
144 Watson by Coletera is here
http://guelph.ca/2014/02/33626/
