I think we all want whats best for our city as long as it doesn't impact us. The old NIMBY syndrome makes those opposed to a concept the bad guys. However, sometimes you need to look at the issue from the other side before you label someone.
I have lived in the Creighton/Maynard area since 1990 and throughout this time there has been fair bit of change in the landscape, but nothing like what is occurring presently since the introduction of a express bus lane and the proposal of bike lanes to our narrow streets.
Since the bus lanes has been introduced, more and more cars are parking on Creighton Street causing lots of congestion and annoyance to those who live on the street. Yes, the residents have bought parking permits, but now they are under siege by the municipality again to host bike lanes which will cause the elimination 15% to 50% of on street parking.
At an information Dog & Pony Show held a few weeks ago, HRM Staff ask the residents to read over the information boards and to pick which concept they liked best. Unfortunately, they failed to mention option "D". Option D purposes that there be NO bike lane, but to use the street as a multi- trail with painted decals on the street like Vancouver. No Speed Bumps, No Curb Extension, just a Sign depicting that the street is utilized by both cars and bicycles.
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| From Vancouver |
Guess what,this would be a WIN-WIN for all involved and it would cost a fraction of the price. Moreover, residents would not lose any parking. By the way, bikes and cars have been traversing on this street in harmony since cars were invented. They can still co-exist without the removal of parking.
Let me describe the area that is being impacted on: on one part of Creighton Street between Cunard and Buddy Daye there are 65 dwellings. Some are apartments, some are single homes. out of that 65 dwellings, there are 8 private driveways. It doesn't take a Rhode Scholar to understand that there is an issue with the removal of parking.
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| Maynard & Creighton Street |
HRM has been working on two planning exercises to stop urban sprawl by allowing more densification on the peninsula. HRM by Design encourages, in-law suites/ granny flats, yet does not take into consideration that people own cars. On the other hand, Gottingen was thriving with local shops, restaurants and businesses and they added an express lane that doesn't even stop on the street!
So Please consider this side of the issue. The residents and owners on these streets pay taxes, they should define what they want on their street, not HRM Staff.
Just to let you know, many are not against bikes, they are against the loss of parking.
Adopt plan "D" .
