Truck-parking proposal raises a number of concerns

To the Editor,

Re: the application of 39A Holdings.

This is not the first time I’ve grumped about traffic on Arthur Street, in particular Arthur Street North, and especially trucks. Noise, smells, traffic jams, idling, road damage, intersections not safe to walk across, and worst of all, fossil fuel emissions that spread dust and toxic substances on sidewalks, yards, and in our houses.

At the virtual public meeting April 11, Woolwich council and some local residents discussed the proposed zone change and official plan amendment, described by manager of planning Jeremy Vink, of 39A

Holdings Ltd. to more than double the space on their property used as a truck parking lot. Council seemed to balk at removing the trees at the east end of the proposed project. The residents agreed with them, and had other reasons for not supporting the application.

There was some talk of a bypass, which on our end in town, would be welcomed. I can’t understand what the future of

this parking lot for trucks will be when we do have it. I think we should save the applicant money and work, and have a bypass somewhere else for the trucks.

Areas of concern: 1) increase truck traffic 2) destructions of roads and sidewalks

3) health issues (increase exposure to diesel) i.e., cancer, heart issues

4) decrease available

park space at Bolender Park (largest green park in Elmira)

5) increase pollution, noise, odour, etc.

6) toxic drainage into the creek

7) decrease property value

8) impact on the quality of life for neighbouring homes

9) decrease green space (destruction of over 100 mature trees)

10) removal of numerous

trees, plants, and small natural habitat

11) increase taxes for road maintenance

12) methane gas (a historical issue)

13) Industrial vs. natural landscape (a questionable fence, and scenic loss for Elmira)

Remember the song “They paved paradise, put up a parking lot?” That’s what’s happening here!