Comment 81182

By Mahesh_P_Butani (registered) - website | Posted September 23, 2012 at 15:47:10 in reply to Comment 81181

thanks Jason, will surely do so in a few day, as more info trickles in or pried out!

In the meanwhile, here is the link to the WH secondary plan.

And a funny snapshot on how a twisted traffic planning study can get translated into zoning and bylaws via Hamilton's renowned circular logic:

From, Transportation Impacts of the Preferred Land Use Strategy - (pg 27):

"Future traffic volumes are more likely to be less than the forecasts since maximum densities will not be realized for every developable parcel of land. However, basing trip generation on maximum densities is considered a conservative approach."

And so, why would maximum densities not be realized on every developable parcel?

Because our conservative forecast of 'trips' tell us that there will be a large traffic volume. So now we are worried sick about the inevitable future traffic chaos!! and so we "must" quickly lower densities -- before them developers show up with their plans with appropriate densities that would make a development project work financially.

Next you have a pumped up developer ready to go to work, and who is quickly deflated on being told:

"Hey, you can only build 10 units in two stories (spread over half an acre of urban land which is ripe for cleanup and intensification after decades of waiting)... and for good measure, there will also be setbacks from the road, because, you see we have a traffic study of high volumes, for which we need to be prepared -(so screw that street-wall concept of your, it just won't work in this city,you know!)... and by the way, just for fun, we have also thrown "green" on your property - without you knowledge!!! because you see, we desperately need more parks in our city after all -- for them kids who are planning to leave the city in droves upon realizing that the streets in Hamilton are only meant for fast cars and trucks,(never mind that we cannot maintain the parks we already have). -- now you see, why we will most definitely require an official plan amendment and zoning by-law amendment in order for you to put up 10 units in two stories."

A shake of head is all the developer is left with in the end... and an open jaw, gasping for breath :O)

You do need a fast car and wide open roads to get out of this city!!

Comment edited by Mahesh_P_Butani on 2012-09-23 15:52:44

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