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West End Residents' Association
General Meeting: January 29; commenced 7 p.m.
Chair: Elmer Rudolph
Recorder: Gavin McLeod
Reading and approval of Minutes
Motion to approve minutes of November 27, 2007.
Moved by Gavin McLeod, seconded by Mary Wilson.
Guests: Blair Fryer, Eric Pattison and Rick Erdman.
1. Introduction of Blair Fryer
Blair Fryer introduced himself as New Westminster’s Communication Manager; Blair is a10 year resident of New Westminster and has more than 15 years experience in strategic communications.
2. 12th Street Neighbourhood Pub Application
Presentation by Rick Erdman of Host Consulting and architect Eric Pattison.
Mary Wilson registered her objection to the presentation as the agenda item did not mention a presentation. Eric Pattison displayed sketches showing the proposed appearance of the Pub, liquor store, banquet hall; the plan is to renovate the existing buildings with the intention or restoring the 1930s Art Deco appearance. The development is proposed to be completed in stages.
The Neighbourhood pub is intended to have 125 seats with a modern British Isles theme targeted at the 30 and above resident market.
Mr. Erdman and Mr. Pattison responded to questions and concerns voiced by some west end residents present at the meeting.
Some concerns mentioned were security, noise, parking and crime.
An open house was held on Thursday, Jan. 24, 7-9 p.m. at 718 12th Street, plans were presented and questions were answered. The City of New Westminster will be holding a public input meeting on February 25th at 7 pm at City Hall Council Chambers.
3. Update on 12th Street Tree Planting Program
The trees once existing on the upper end of 12th street were removed as part of the 12th street Improvement project. The process for tree planting has been changed since the original trees were planted; the new process involves digging a proper trench for each tree and providing drip irrigation, the intention is to prevent root overgrowth and damage to the sidewalk.
It has been suggested that a mixture of tree types might be used based on availability at the time; some residents present at the meeting expressed concern over the overall street appearance due to a mixture of tree varieties
Gavin Hainsworth, announced that a letter has been sent to the City of New Westminster asking for a review of wholesale tree removal.
4. West End Area Signs
Elmer Rudolph and reported on street sign toppers.
Brian Coates obtained an estimate of costs for each sign; each sign would cost $100 including installation, a budget of $4,000 is available from the city which would allow the creation of 40 signs, half what would be required for the entire west end. It would be possible for individual residents or groups of residents to purchase a sign or signs.
5. Status of Pedestrian/ Bicycle Overpass at 6th Avenue and Stewardson
Negotiations are proceed to obtain funding for an overpass, the cost will probably be shared between Ministry of Highways, Translink and the city of New Westminster.
6. Parks and Recreation Long Term Planning Consultation
A consultant worked with groups in order to determine needs and wants of relevant groups. Elmer Rudolph attended a meeting. The consensus was that parks are well maintained but there is a long list of desires that have remained unsatisfied for years. A major concern is that, despite projected doubling of the population there is no funding for acquisition of park land.
7. Winter Festival Celebration
Everyone is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the New Westminster Spirit of BC Office on Feb 6 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
Spirit of BC Flag Raising, Feb 8 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, New Westminster Secondary School. Spirit of BC WinterFest 2008, Feb 9, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Queen's Park - Base of the Slope McBride Blvd & 6th Avenue.
The West End Residents’ Association has been invited to become involved.
See: http://www.spiritofbc.com/events.php?year=2008&month=2&r_id=3&c_id=120 for further information.
Next Meeting: Tuesday April 1st, 2008
Moved/ Seconded/ Carried to adjourn.
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