August 21, 2009
James Gordon has put a new song on YouTube.
The song, “Mr. Developer Man”, is inspired by the issues affecting trees at Hanlon Creek Business Park, the Guelph Youth Music Centre and what James likes to call “The Maltby Road “Carson Reid” Tree Massacre” 
As James puts it, “It’s been a bad summer for trees, so I thought I’d write them a song!”
Check it out.
August 10, 2009
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS OUR COMMUNITY
Low Impact Development (LID) refers to highly effective plans that emphasize retaining the natural features of a building site. Negative impacts of development are reduced, such as unnecessary mass grading and soil compaction. It protects trees. It provides real benefits and preserves the value of investment. LID also reduces infrastructure and environmental costs.
LID protects tree roots, thereby reducing water in basements and maintaining healthy water table around property. Tree roots sponge up rainwater which increases groundwater recharge. LID costs less than conventional storm-water management systems.
Trees reduce erosion of soil. They also enhance evaporation of rainwater back to the atmosphere after a storm. Therefore, there is reduced chance of flooding and pollution damage.
Protecting green spaces gives advantages!
August 10, 2009
We received the information below from Sandy Walsh, Goldie Mill Park Enhancement Project. Its great to see this level of neighborhood activism. Shame on the City of Guelph if its true that they didn’t find time to engage the local residents before coming up with their plan. A significant number of mature trees will be removed to make this plan a reality. Replacing mature trees with more pavement will not enhance our urban canopy which is far less than the ideal 40% cover.
The City of Guelph has put forward a proposal to expand the parking lot at the Guelph Youth Music Centre. Currently the parking area is gravel and accommodates about 35 vehicles. The City plans to expand the lot, remove green space and several mature trees, pave the parking area and add pole lighting.
No citizen consultation meetings were held prior to the notice that was sent out by the City on July 22nd. The project start date is August 17.
Area residents and other concerned citizens are strongly opposed to the plan as it was presented by the City and are working together with Council and City Staff to work towards a more environmentally conscious and less costly solution.
THERE IS AN IMPORTANT MEETING regarding this project on Thursday, August 13 at 7.00 p.m. at GYMC parking lot
We hope to have a strong show of citizens come out for this meeting to show their concern for the proposal as it now stands. Please let your friends and neighbours know and encourage them to attend as well.
This is not a one-neighbourhood issue – We need to let City staff and Councillors know that we value the Citizen Input process, especially when it concerns projects that have a large impact on the neighbourhood, heritage areas and the environment.
We have created a web site at http://goldiemillpark.wordpress.com/ to keep residents informed on project developments and to serve as an information resource on this issue. Here you will find a copy of the City’s proposal and other related information. We encourage you to post your comments and suggestions on the site.
