I have been thinking about the proposed development at the end of Roselena and what it will offer to the people who will live there and who already live nearby and how it will impact the natural spaces. Fifty -one homes will change this area forever so how do we make sure that people are given an attractive and safe place to live and the natural features are protected as much as possible?
The existing site is rolling terrain, mostly open field, with 7 wetland pockets, a watercourse, a large pond and a significant adjacent woodlot. I have heard a variety of birds there including Bobolink, Woodcock, Barn Swallows, Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows and Field Sparrows. And I have seen or heard Snapping Turtles, Leopard Frogs, Tree Frogs and Chorus Frogs. All these species need the existing plant community complex to continue calling this area home. Both the woodlot and the river are identified in the Schomberg Community Plan as Environmentally Sensitive.
I was speaking to some people the other day who told me that their properties immediately downstream of the proposed development are flood prone and that the incidence of flooding seems to be increasing. It occurs to me that the placement of 11,000 m3 of fill in the valley (flood plain included) to accommodate 17 of the homes and a large bridge may make matters worse for these home owners – not to mention the increase in storm water runoff from the introduced hard surfaces.
The development will introduce more traffic into the existing neighbourhood on Roselena. How do we mitigate that problem?
I think we can do better than what is being proposed. First of all keep the development out of the flood plain. This will go a long way to ensure that there will be no increases in flooding downstream and will protect much of the natural areas. Secondly give an adequate setback from the existing woodlot. And finally consider a roadway that links to the existing driveway to the west.
Imagine a development that provides beautiful places to live, surrounded by healthy natural spaces and linked walking trails. Imagine access to that pond for nature viewing. Maybe the proposal is a Plan of Condominium instead of a Subdivision so that there is some flexibility in the road standard and the vision for the neighbourhood is maintained through a condominium association.
On June 25 the Township of King Council will be hearing public comments on the new development extending from the end of Roselena Drive. The proposal is to construct 51 single family homes and build a bridge that will connect the existing road to Church Street. This proposal will require the placement of 11,000 m3 of fill to accommodate the roadway and new homes. Do you have something to say about this?
4 comments on “Roselena Drive Extension and Subdivision Development”
Roselena Drive Extension. This space will be changed forever and thus should be planned wisely. There is much more understanding of the world around us then ever before and that is why any development in a new and natural environment should be planned with the knowledge and resources at hand for responsible change.
This is an ideal location for a condominium such as the existing two others on Church street. This can provide homes for many more people on a smaller footprint of land then houses and also allow for more greenspace with less environmental impact on the land. A condominium will allow more green space and connecting trails would be a more responsible choice in Schomberg.
Statistics indicate that an older population are the fastest growing age group in Ontario.This location would be a great place for the growing senior population that can no longer maintain a house but can still allow them to continue living in their village.
The proposed plan of homes along Church Street are not favourable as this will close in the area and block the existing vista of the rolling hills, trees and pond from the road. Homes crowding to near the river and flood plain are not responsible planning as I’ve witnessed the high rising water levels after heavy rain storms and snow thaw over the years.
I agree with all your thoughtful comments. There is a chance to put in higher density and protect the sensitive areas. The LSRCA has still not issued their formal comments yet. I expect that they will have something to say about the floodplain.
I’ve lived with my family along Roselena, and would love to see the preservation of the natural space I grew up enjoying, while also still incorporating new housing options like condominiums similar to those along Church. It’s a suitable area to slowly integrate density, not just for seniors but for young people who may want to live in Schomberg but are not prepared to purchase single family homes.
Hi Katie
I agree with you. We need smaller affordable units in Schomberg for both young people and those wanting to downsize. There is a group of us working with the Township and the developer to ensure that all development is out of the floodplain and as many trees as possible are protected. Currently the developer is proposing 29 town home units and 2 single family homes on Main Street, one being the existing heritage home. This proposal presents a lot of challenges. A single structure may solve some of those issues and is definitely an option to look at.