May 17, 2012 – A Few More Thoughts…

I think the proposal may slip in under the radar. To me, it epitomizes not just a serious lack of coordination, administrative will and fairness in our community’s development policies but also a disconnect by people we might reasonably expect to look at these schemes in their totality, not as scattered urban set pieces.

This complex, in particular, seems like it will generate momentum – via precedent – towards a disastrous run of developments that spin vague support for popular themes (culture, heritage, eco-sustainability, affordability, etc.) but ignore human experience. Look at what’s called a “garden.” It is not filled with foliage, but with sculptures. Lost skylines, 20-75 metre walls lining sidewalks and turning streets into canyons, and green spaces hidden inside the walls have become the norm. It’s an ugly domino effect.

Wind Tunnels

I have trouble believing key issues are examined with professional thoroughness. For instance, most Montrealers have experienced some nasty wind tunnels around town. The east side of Peel and William is a good example. So, when this goes up about 10 metres from the ETS residences at William and de la Montagne, you’d think they studied a similar possibility. But I’d be surprised if city engineers actually checked how much extra wind velocity might be created.

They also tout family values. I think most families, though, want their kids to have easy access to the street. That’s tough when you live in a hive of condos. Besides, look at the interior space of the units being built in Griffintown. The ones big enough for families are very expensive. Even so, the City has gone ahead and spent tons of money improving the streets and water mains for the promised influx of new residents. I don’t know about families, but our tax dollars have surely helped developers sell at a premium.

Green Spaces

It would be reassuring to see what more we will get in the way of schools and street-level green spaces (parks, playgrounds, walking/bicycle paths) that are part of the interior. As it is, we keep hearing officials say the Federal government’s people-friendly Lachine canal – which, happily for developers, was already there – at the edge of Griffintown means the City has done enough for green enthusiasts.

Maybe this is a poor time to keep developing. Wouldn’t it be wiser to make decisions after real people – not spreadsheet numbers – live in the buildings already going up? We’ve waited 50 years already. Will residents really benefit when such enormous work is squeezed into a rough ten-year window? I’d like to know what research they have that shows the crystal clear benefits of extremely fast urban growth.

Is More Development Necessary?

There are many activist groups in Griffintown. Some may not know about the hearing and I don’t expect everyone to think this project is as significant as I do. Still, I hope some of those who attend will encourage the Southwest Borough to stop further development until we see how the current situation works out.