Construction Update
The construction crews at Central Park have been very busy since I wrote last month. The target opening date of a new Tim Hortons restaurant at the end of the month is quickly approaching. In fact a banner advertising job openings was recently posted. Central Park residents can hardly wait!
The Central Park ring-road is also nearing a drive-able state. Catch basins and fire hydrants are visible sticking out of the ground in the new road area. However, with all the focus on the ring-road, there has been disappointingly very little progress on the stormwater pond.
The Central Park
In addition to the stormwater pond, the current plan for the central park shows a full-sized baseball diamond and soccer pitch, a basketball court, and a tot lot. This, however, is not what many residents want or indeed were promised when they bought their homes.
Over the last few weeks the Central Park Citizens Group has been endeavoring to find out what residents would like to see in the central park. While the results are not all in yet, it is quite clear that there is an overwhelming desire for passive greenspace and limited recreation facilities. Some residents would like get rid of all the facilities, while others would like to see the soccer pitch or baseball diamond disappear (after all there is one just a baseball diamond just five minute walk away). Other residents would like to see different facilities like tennis courts or maybe even a pool.
Development along Clyde
During the summer the City of Ottawa passed bylaws 187-99, 188-99, 189-99 and 190-99 which changes the zoning of the western part of the Central Park development, also known as the “Assaly lands” or “1199 Clyde Avenue”. These bylaws also reflect the new plan of subdivision as submitted by the developer. These plans do not force the inclusion of a third access, but don't preclude it either. In other words, the third access issue will be re-visited when and if the “DOC lands” are developed.
The Regional Government has not yet approved the new subdivision. However, a report has been published that indicates that the third access option would be neither ruled out nor required. Councillor Stewart has indicated that she would be supporting this position. The report is scheduled to be considered on October 12.
AGM
The Central Park Citizens group will be having its Annual General Meeting in mid-to-late November. Election of executive and members at large will take place at the AGM. Everyone residing within the boundaries of Central Park who is 18 years of age or older may vote and is encouraged to attend. For more information about Central Park, visit the web site at http://www.central-park.ottawa.on.ca.
[From within the files of Bruce Cole.]