The Editor,
Coquitlam city planners are proposing changes to parking requirements around Evergreen Line stations. If approved, these proposals would reduce the number of parking spots developers must provide in return for funding a pool earmarked for parking infrastructure. This feature of the program is called "cash-in-lieu" of parking.
As residents of a "shoulder" area of Burquitlam station, our association's concern is that any reduction in parking capacity around stations will mean cars needing parking spaces will find their way onto our quiet streets.
These parking proposals must be accompanied by a comprehensive plan to restrict and manage parking around the shoulder areas. This plan may include residents-only parking in shoulder areas.
As well, an unsettling feature of the "cash-in-lieu" program is that funds raised through these methods need not be spent in the areas where generated. That means funds raised through Burquitlam development could be spent on parking infrastructure in Town Centre, thereby not benefitting the area where the strain on parking is created.
We plan to speak out on this measure at the upcoming public hearing on Monday, Nov. 26, 7 p.m. at Coquitlam city hall.
Ben Craig, President, Oakdale Neighbourhood Association
