The Editor,
Re: “Coquitlam plans for more homes, schools on Burke Mountain” (The Tri-City News, May 10).
The petition by Park Ridge Estates households against the extension of Oxford Street referred to in the article was actually submitted to Coquitlam mayor and council on March 20, 2017.
Ninety-four per cent of Park Ridge Estates households signed the petition opposing any extension of Oxford Street for motor vehicle traffic. The city’s written response indicated staff is planning to hold community information sessions on the Northwest Burke Vision (“NBV”) to provide opportunities for public review and feedback before the summer.
However, I am concerned that some city council members may have already made up their minds with respect to extending Oxford Street. In the article, Coun. Mae Reid said: “You cannot build on a mountain and have one main road down. We have fire trucks that need to get in there.”
I kindly request council recall that the thrust of our petition is ensuring the safety of the many children and families of Park Ridge Estates, who would be severely impacted if Oxford Street is extended for vehicle traffic. I live on Oxford Street above David Avenue and can tell you it is steep, curvy and narrow, with many vehicles, including RVs, boats and trailers, parked along the route.
Extending Oxford Street to connect with 950 housing units in the proposed Hazel-Coy area would result in thousands more daily vehicle trips up and down Oxford Street (imagine two to four or more trips per day per 950 housing units). Extending Oxford Street would be dangerous.
Has the city considered building an access road strictly for fire and emergency services, which would connect the proposed Hazel-Coy area directly to David Avenue between Shaughnessy Street/Karley Crescent and Oxford Street? Alternatively, why not install gating or removable bollards at the end of Oxford Street with through access granted for only fire and emergency services as is the case with Glenbrook Street (street immediately east of Oxford above David Avenue)?
My message to mayor and council is this: eliminate the Oxford Street extension from your plans and find a better, safer solution. Consider that 94% of citizens directly impacted oppose your plans to extend Oxford Street.
I also encourage citizens to attend the upcoming community information sessions and make their voice heard regarding NBV and the Oxford Street extension.
Jordan Hearsey
Coquitlam
