Dear Editor:
After spending two hours at an open public meeting held in council chambers on Wednesday, October 25th, I find it necessary to offer some concerns with respect to the proposed Salem subdivision known as Cachet Development.
Although as a resident of Elora, I am only indirectly impacted by the proposed 286 units which include single family houses as well as townhouses on a 30-acre property on the corner of Woolwich and Irvine Streets near Salem Public School.
The density of this subdivision, which could have a population of 1,000-plus figuring on three residents per unit, I find excessive.
Each of these units will have two cars which will be taxing for the short single driveways. It was commented by the presenter for the development company, that a pickup truck or some SUVs could have difficulty fitting on the driveway. I fear it will be a traffic nightmare as these residents try to exit using the two proposed exits, one on Bricker Street and one onto Irvine. Should there happen to be the need to evacuate residents of this subdivision, could 1,000 people safely exit this area using only the two proposed exits?
Since federal and provincial governments encourage electric vehicles, the need for an electric capacity will be more demanding. I wonder if the developer has planned for hydro demands of the future.
The presenter agreed to let Cachet Development know that the three-storey houses on 40-foot lots which were proposed were unacceptable and an invasion of privacy to existing residents.
Concern was expressed about a row of existing healthy walnut trees and the danger of construction vehicles etc. damaging them. Could the park/green space now proposed for the centre of the 30 acres, be located encompassing the row of trees along one side creating a shady park-like spot along one side? Granted it is not central, but, it is a healthy doable walk.
I would hope that our council will listen to the concerns of those residents who need definite assurances that their well water will not be adversely impacted. And, in writing, have the developer agree to fix the problem should the water survey done now be adversely impacted down the road. Water is a concern for all, not just during construction, but long term for all Elora residents.
With all the recent growth in Centre Wellington (Colbourne Street and Beatty Line, Garafraxa and Gartshore, subdivisions off River Road, plus subdivisions proposed and approved exiting onto Highway 6, does our existing water/sewage facility have the ability to keep up.
By approving developments without roads, water and sewage capacity, are we putting the cart before the horse?
I hope council was listening to legitimate concerns of their constituents.
Ron Mitchell,
Elora