tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post4916522714471968657..comments2024-03-26T07:56:17.955-07:00Comments on The South Fraser Blog: New Tim Hortons deteriorates walkability of Downtown LangleyNathan Pachalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-74949304943049667312015-01-05T20:35:23.071-08:002015-01-05T20:35:23.071-08:00Certainly the City cannot change the form of exist...Certainly the City cannot change the form of existing buildings, but through zoning and the development process can influence new development. As Downtown Langley redevelops care should be taken to ensure that it is a pedestrian-first area. Drive-thrus do not support a building a walkable Downtown. <br /><br />As far as oddly shaped properties go, there are some great example of building that enhance the quality of the public realm.<br /><br />Check out this link to see some from Vancouver. http://scoutmagazine.ca/2011/09/01/secret-city-on-why-vancouver-has-so-many-flat-iron-buildings/Nathan Pachalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-51238365079994817952015-01-05T18:46:46.391-08:002015-01-05T18:46:46.391-08:00It would be far more useful if former Councillors ...It would be far more useful if former Councillors would have had something to say in public when they had the opportunity and it's pretty disappointing that they do not reveal themselves here.The site, fondly referred to as the "thumb" came about as a result of the 203 realignment and that Councillor probably had an opportunity to acquire property across the street. The result was an oddly shaped piece of property that has utilities running under a section of it making it unsuitable for anything other than the minimalist structure that is being built.That having been said -- it is pedestrian accessible and has a street presence far better than the previous void and probably better than another "park plaza"that would simply attract the 7 Eleven spill-over or other vagrants looking for another late night hang-out.As for the rest of the Mall, commercial/residential street presence/design is really in the hands of the Mall owners/developers.The City can't impose development but simply attempt through zoning and form and character recommendations to encourage "streetscapes". Years ago there was a proposal to build 2 inward facing Mall pods but the owners decided not to proceed. You are correct that members of APC did object to the Horton's/Mall traffic entry and the changes you note neither returned to APC nor Council before being implemented based on a traffic engineering study/consultation. Both were surprised by the right merge/left turn conflict.Regards Councillor Dave Hall.I appreciate your comments. Dave Hallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-69968364466435037652015-01-05T16:49:24.292-08:002015-01-05T16:49:24.292-08:00It started up again todayIt started up again todayNathan Pachalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17647693133663879821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299108886803608881.post-86619073295895616222015-01-05T16:38:04.827-08:002015-01-05T16:38:04.827-08:00Have you also noticed that the construction of the...Have you also noticed that the construction of the Tim Hortons seems to have been stalled for weeks? Maybe just a holiday break but seems longer than that.Curtis Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16218356579407209759noreply@blogger.com