A proposed 128-unit residential project on Arden Road attracted a full house at Courtenay council this week.

Arden Road Developments Ltd. is proposing to build 128 patio homes aimed at retirees and empty-nesters on a 30-acre site at the end of Arden Road.

About 25 nearby residents packed into the city hall council chambers for a public hearing Monday, and a number spoke to council, raising concerns about issues such as road access, water and traffic.

Creekside Commons resident Pam Munroe told council the residents of the neighbouring Lambert Drive development did not want to delay the project, but they had some suggestions that could improve the project.

"We don't want to delay this or we're not opposed to it; we just think it could be done better," she said.

Access, water retention on the property and traffic were three big issues for Creekside members, explained Munroe.

The development proposes pushing Lambert Drive through into the development, and Creekside members would rather not see the road go into that property, she told council.

"I've talked to the people in engineering, and one of the reasons they say they need the two entrances into that property is firefighting," she said. "Well, the two accesses are going almost head to head to each other, so you're creating a T intersection, and I think that's kind of a stupid way to go, quite frankly. They say it's in the transportation plan, but plans can be changed."

This development is one of a number of residential projects that could have a significant impact on traffic in the area.

There are six developments being proposed in the Arden corridor that could add about 450 more units to the area, noted Munroe.

"Arden Road is a dangerous road for pedestrians and cyclists," she said. "It's even dangerous for cars because it's not very well maintained and it's not very well lit, and we're very concerned about the amount of traffic that's going to come from this development and from the other developments along the way."

Peter Ashmore, a Creekside Commons resident who is one of the project's immediate neighbours, told council he would rather see the natural buffer with the existing trees and bushes along the property retained rather than replaced by the fence that is being proposed.

Two nearby residents raised concerns about Ronson Road and ensuring the road is does not get closed.

The proposed development at 2368, 2498 and 2650 Arden Rd. includes a mix of single, duplex and triplex residential units.

It also proposes the dedication of about 9.88 acres of parkland to the city and an extensive trail system.

"Stormwater management was a main issue for us since it's an environmentally-sensitive piece of property," said Steve Lindsey of Arden Road Developments. "With the great help of Murdoch de Greeff architects and Current Environmental consultants, we've come up with a plan that I think takes advantage of the natural amenities of the site. We've gone to great lengths to make sure the environment is a primary focus."

Council received two sets of signed letters from residents during the public hearing.

Senior planner Gina MacKay told council that staff has no intention of closing Ronson Road, while the fencing issue can be worked out with the developer.

"I recognize most people are concerned about access to Lambert," she said. "The intent in the Official Community Plan is to continue Lambert through the development."

Coun. Larry Jangula noted that the eight people who spoke during the public hearing had concerns that weren't necessarily negative to the development, and he thought they were concerns that could be dealt with.

Coun. Jon Ambler agreed.

"Tonight, a large group of people came forward recognizing the requirement for change and brought forward a bunch of legitimate, tangible questions that can be solved," he said. "I think the points that were made make absolute sense."

Coun. Ronna-Rae Leonard pointed out the importance of protecting the environment on the site.

"The idea if we take care of the environment, the environment will take care of us is important on this property," she said.

Council gave the Official Community Plan and zoning amendment bylaws third reading following the public hearing.

writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com