01-26-2015, 07:50 PM
(01-26-2015, 01:13 PM)nms Wrote: I think that the privatization of public/green space should be strongly discouraged. Soon, all that pedestrians will be left with are concrete wind tunnels (ahem Bauer Lofts alley) while the condo-owners enjoy the green space on the roof. Even a few benches and trees and set back opens up the space. Having public, open space encourages neighbourhood mixing and mingling. When I walk past a neighbour's front lawn, I get to enjoy the garden even if I don't get to walk in it.
Are those buildings paying parkland dedication fees? I don't think a development necessarily needs to have its individual piece of green space, just like it shouldn't need its own dedicated parking garage. But where the parking can be provided by the market, I think fees definitely should be levied on developments in order for the municipality to be able to create park space for the public. Just - that park space better be in the neighbourhood, rather than at the edge of town.