Should it stay or should it go?
The Uptown New West Business Association likes the Belmont Street parklet so much it would like it expanded, but many area residents say it’s gotta go.
“Most of the feedback we have received, both from our member businesses, as well as from member of the public, has been very positive,” said Bart Slotman, president of the Uptown New West Business Association in a letter to council. “People like the addition of this fun space in this area. People linger, meet their neighbours, and have a good time. It is the type of environment we want to create.”
In June, the city created a temporary parklet adjacent to Tim Horton’s and furnished the space with movable tables and chairs. A ‘lawn’ area built onto the road features artificial grass, Adirondack chairs, and planters. As part of the initiative, Belmont Street was reconfigured to be a one-way street at Sixth Street.
“We would support making it a permanent addition,” Slotman wrote. “In this regard, we actually ask you to put consideration to enlarging the parklet, and perhaps even envision the different role that Belmont Street can play in making the Uptown a strong, vibrant and pedestrian-oriented retail district.”
Lisa Leblanc, the city’s transportation manager, said the city’s intention has been to leave the parklet in place, while a decision about the partial closure of Belmont Street at Sixth Street and the “lawn” area will be considered as part of discussions with Royal City Farmers Market and its needs for the winter market. She said the city’s preference is to leave it in place.
“We have been monitoring the installation regularly and have not noted any significant issues with parking or traffic circulation; both the parklet and the ‘lawn’ are well used by the community,” Leblanc said.
Residents, however, tell a different story.
“Nobody wants this parklet to remain,” said area resident Gordon Grant. “It has been attracting many undesirables during the night.”
Grant said city officials haven’t contacted the strata council at the Viceroy to get input from those living closest to the parklet. If they did, they’d hear concerns about people gathering at the parklet and creating disturbances late at night, long after area businesses have closed for the night.
“It’s not the area for it, and it should go,” he said.
Sherri Lahn, building manager of the Viceroy, has written to the city to express concerns about the constant U-turns occurring on Belmont since it became a one-way street at Sixth Street and a two-way street at Seventh Street. She said New Westminster police frequently attend Belmont Street for after-hour noise disturbances, including a recent Saturday night gathering where a crowd of 20 loud, drunk adults caused a scene, which was soon followed by a fender-bender in the crosswalk.
“I do not believe a parklet should be located close to a pub and liquor store,” she wrote in an email to the Record. “The only business that appears to be benefiting from this parklet is Tim Hortons. But it far outweighs the resources used by our city workers, firemen and police.”
Lahn hopes the city would consider the views of area residents, who support the local businesses, before expanding the parklet.
