Article contentTheir vision is a major master-planned community with 6,400 units of single-family homes, townhouses, highrises and commercial sites with room for a school and other public infrastructure.Article contentHe said 33 per cent of the property will be left as green space that would protect the wetlands and watercourses. He said his company has a track record of developing communities that are sensitive to the environment.Article content“It’s somewhere where people can live with their families, enjoy nature, enjoy the trail, have local shopping, local commercial and really focus on some active transportation connection.”Article contentHe said the plan is for three distinct neighbourhoods with pedestrian access throughout.Article content“Let’s get people walking again,” he said.Article contentThe municipality has had its eye on the area for potential growth since 2006, years before the province took it over. There are 16 provincially designated special planning areas in HRM.Article contentArticle contentTraffic, flooding, environmental impactArticle contentThe church hall was packed from the start. Eavis said they’ve heard a lot of concerns about traffic and the environmental impacts.Article content“It’s an ecologically sensitive area and it’s also prone to flooding so we’ll be looking at that very closely as we go through the planning process.”Article contentEavis explained this planning process is normal for them, but the main difference here is that it won’t end up in front of council for a public hearing and a vote. Instead, the Nova Scotia Panel on Housing will make a recommendation to the housing minister, who will have the final say.Article content HRM planner Melissa Eavis speaks to reporters at a public information session at the Bedford United Church hall on Wednesday. Municipal staff held a public information session to gather feedback on the development planned for that area. Photo by Ryan TaplinArticle contentThe big turnout wasn’t unexpected.Article content“We know that it’s super important to the community and we’re happy to hear any feedback that people have.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentKaren Robinson, co-chair of the Sandy Lake – Sackville River Regional Park Coalition, which has been opposing development in the area for years, is worried HRM is going to lose land that has been proposed for protection for over 50 years.Article contentHaving residents come out in strong numbers at such a critical juncture in the process is vital, she said.Article content“This is like the moment in time when we are officially able to get on the record, bring our voices of the community to the process.”Article contentConsultants have said that more time and study is needed to explore the environmental impact of developing there, Robinson said.Article content“We absolutely do know we need housing, but we also know that this is a very special place that was recognized as a special place to be saved for all time,” she said. “The city started acquiring land at Sandy Lake in 1954. . . . It was always meant to be saved.”
8,000 housing units on the shores of Sandy Lake in Bedford? Neighbours have their say
