An open house for Precedence, the third stage of development in Riversong, was met with concerns on Thursday.
An open house for Precedence, the third stage of development in Riversong, was met with concerns on Thursday.
Traffic, slope erosion and increased crime were some of the issues voiced by residents at the Ramada Cochrane on March 16 during the evening meeting.
“There is nothing wrong with development but have we done all of our homework? ” Peter Forrest, Cochrane resident asked.
The 100 acres of land - owned by 1300534 Alberta Ltd. (managed by Tamani Communities) and John Robinson - is located northeast of the existing Riversong neighbourhoods.
While nothing is official until approved by the town, planners for the proposed community showcased the neighbourhood plan while answering questions from residents.
Solutions offered to the traffic concerns included the James Walker Trail south alignment. Precedence land is required for the first stage of construction for the James Walker Trail - the portion from the new bridge to Riviera Way, which will connect via River Heights Drive to Highway 22. Land negotiations between the Town of Cochrane and Precedence landowners are required to finalize the James Walker Trail alignment, according to the neighbourhood plan.
“The development meets all the bylaws and requirements set out by the town, ” said Cam Hart, vice-president of Tamani Communities.
The neighbourhood plan also includes a secondary emergency access.
In regards to slope issues, Hart said there was a geotechnical analysis done to determine the sloping issues other communities in Cochrane face will not be an issue, according to the report.
While the study of the land owned by Tamani Communities has been completed, the background studies for the geotechnical report, environmental site assessment, and biophysical assessment for land owned by Robinson is not complete but will be submitted prior to any subdivision approval.
Crime prevention techniques through environmental design, such as street lighting to offer visibility to potential residents at night, were also offered as solutions.
“We are really excited about the area and introducing new architecture into the community, ” Hart said.
The stage three development for the Riversong community is at the neighbourhood structure plan and land use amendment stage - two steps away from the development permit.
If approved, the development would include approximately 479 units - 318 single/semi-detached and 161 townhouse/apartments.
