For the second time in four months, concerns over population density have forced planners to revise proposed residential development of the Miller Meadows area in the southwest part of town.
The land is located in the south end of town, off 57th Avenue.
Planners are trying to revise the 2008 Miller Meadows area structure plan (ASP), but have now run into objections from concerned citizens twice.
Council voted down the latest version after receiving objections from several local citizens who said the proposed population density for the area is too high and there are not enough changes to infrastructure to accommodate it.
A previous version of the plan, presented in July, was also rejected when similar complaints were raised.
The new ASP covered 40 acres of land in which 60 per cent was to be dedicated to residential, 30 per cent to roads and 10 per cent to municipal reserves.
The population density proposed under that new plan was a cause for concern for many members of the public like Richard Bodnar.
“We’re putting 10 per cent of the population of Olds into two per cent of the area,” said Bodnar. “We’re looking at 400 families here.”
Brian Gilmour agreed with Bodnar.
“My basic objection is the density. It’s a vast increase from the original 2008 proposal. All of the traffic is going to be on 57th and there’s no proposals in any of this to upgrade 57th to manage the traffic,” he said.
Bruce Nelson said the development is too far from the town’s commercial amenities.
“I’m concerned about the commercial support; this is a high density development in an area that has no facilities,” said Bruce Nelson. “I believe this development belongs in the north(west) corner of town around maybe Walmart.”
Mayor Michael Muzychka said he could see the need for more housing in the community, but in the end, sided with residents' concerns over density.
“I’m torn quite literally in half knowing that the Town of Olds absolutely needs some higher density, more affordable housing and I believe that this ASP would provide that.
“Having said that, my tear in half is the citizens that are here and those concerns are most valid,” Muzychka said.
When the bylaw came up for second reading it was defeated, once again forcing the plan back for revision.
