CACA Responds to City Re: Safeway Redevelopment

Details: Published on Monday, 19 September 2011 22:06; Written by Phil Jeffreys; Hits: 894

Summary:

We do not oppose the proposed development, but we do consider the design should reflect the nature and history of the neighbourhood. The current design does not do this, despite architectural efforts and Safeway’s incorporation of these design features. We think that more should be done. We wish to congratulate Safeway for proposing a design that is not as large as some feared, but several aspects attracted significant criticism at the open house and in the media. No one single issue has dominated the discussion.

August 26, 2011

Re: Proposed Rezoning and Discretionary Use (11-Z-10/11-DU-16 and 11-CL-4)

Proposed expansion of Existing Safeway grocery store

2915 - 13th Avenue

The Cathedral Area Community appreciates the opportunity to comment on the above Application. The proposed redevelopment of Safeway has generated more local comment and input than any other Application, and so is of high importance to the citizens of the Area.

The Association strives to represent the people and businesses of the area, and as such, recognises that a refurbished supermarket is desired by the majority of residents for more convenient shopping. We also acknowledge that a supermarket draws in other consumers to the neighbourhood and that local businesses benefit as a result. Thirteenth Avenue is an economically viable centre of Regina which should be enhanced by this development. That being said, we would better accept the proposal if some features were altered or included.

Supported elements included:

·         Expanded, renovated store that revitalizes the community;
·         Greenery around the development;
·         Opportunity for improved shopping;
·         Improved loading and disposal facilities.

The main concerns expressed were:

· Design is insensitive to the area: the exterior is too suburban;
· The taupe stucco colour is bland and is not seen as a Safeway-branded colour that necessarily invites favourable recognition in this instance. The concrete columns and cornices are insufficient for the walls to interact with local architectural features. The building is seen as a large, mostly windowless box within an older neighbourhood with more diverse styles;

· Loss of existing façade and style;

·         The bare eastern, southern, and western walls are too inviting for graffiti;
·         Loss of existing business tenants and residences: no provision for second-storey businesses or apartments;
·         Cyclist concerns (traffic, storage);
·         Loss of the Bob Boyer mural;
·         No additional services, apart from a Starbucks, for the increased size;
·         Increased traffic with less available parking;
·         Possible loss of iconic Safeway sign on northwest corner and arched “marina” roof architectural features.

Numerous suggestions were made to improve the design so as to complement the neighbourhood and retain the block as an active site for local business. We think these are viable, and reflect the comments and reaction to the work that Safeway has done so far without public viewpoints.

·         Alter the design to complement the character of the neighbourhood through use of colour, artwork, a different façade or added levels of apartments or businesses. Break up the “box” look;
·         Provision of outdoor seating, bicycle racks and pet hitching posts;
·         Commissioned artwork would deter graffiti and compliment similar designs in the area. It may also compensate for the possible loss of the Bob Boyer mural on the existing west wall;
·         Retention of the Bob Boyer mural on the west wall;
·         Multilevel of rooftop utilization through apartments, businesses, greenery , or a public patio;
·         Recycling housing material from lost residences to the south;
·         Inclusion of a small liquor store.

This neighbourhood is a special and growing part of the City that has provincial, and in some cases, national recognition for its art, culture, festival and food. It should not settle for a design that does not reflect the nature of the area. Other cities across Canada have eclectic, unique Safeway supermarket designs that suit their locale, improve their sites and provide needed services while producing a profit for their owners. It can be done here, and Regina should settle for nothing less.

Respectively submitted,

Phil Jeffreys,

President, Cathedral Area Community Association