Blatchford

[CplKlinger]

Calling all the green developed feels misleading. We are likely 5 years away from those areas having all the medium density completed. And all the NAIT land??

“In most cases homes are built or under construction”.

30% of the green has been green for multiple years with 0 construction.

To their credit, they're transparent about how they define developed - both at the bottom of this map, and when they're talking to the media: it means all of the infrastructure required on their end - roads, utilities, etc. - before the plots can be sold to homebuilders and institutions. This map shows what is directly under the Blatchford office's control so that they can be held accountable for their performance. For example, if I recall correctly, NAIT is behind schedule on building its first residence, and that's not under Blatchford's control. And for what it's worth, they're not having trouble getting builder interest for the townhouse plots, and it looks like things are hopefully picking up for medium density sites too; we'll see by this time next year. NAIT's the big laggard here, so perhaps the city should have included a buyback clause in the agreement tied to certain milestones being met.

 

[thefreezebreeze]

It is frustrating that NAIT's entire portion is ready for construction and nothing has moved yet. At this rate, it's going to be a massive empty pocket in the middle of what should be the most dense area of Blatchford. It's always seemed crazy to me that they were given such a large portion of the central area.

 

[thommyjo]

To their credit, they're transparent about how they define developed - both at the bottom of this map, and when they're talking to the media: it means all of the infrastructure required on their end - roads, utilities, etc. - before the plots can be sold to homebuilders and institutions. This map shows what is directly under the Blatchford office's control so that they can be held accountable for their performance. For example, if I recall correctly, NAIT is behind schedule on building its first residence, and that's not under Blatchford's control. And for what it's worth, they're not having trouble getting builder interest for the townhouse plots, and it looks like things are hopefully picking up for medium density sites too; we'll see by this time next year. NAIT's the big laggard here, so perhaps the city should have included a buyback clause in the agreement tied to certain milestones being met.

I mean, not really. That’s what I’m calling out. Their description literally says “most homes are under construction or finished”, yet multiple parcels are empty and have been for years.

They should just say “developed areas are those where the city has completed all infrastructure work and builders are now able to construct homes.”

It’s misleading is my point. Or add another colour called “housing completed”.

Not trying to be a Debbie downer. I just think the map below tells a different story…

 

[David A]

Yes, trying to use clever wording whether intentional or not implying more has been completed here than is the case just undermines the credibility of those doing it.

 

[thommyjo]

Yes, trying to use clever wording whether intentional or not implying more has been completed here than is the case just undermines the credibility of those doing it.

Exactly. Lots have been “sold, agreements in place, or active builder interest” on certain lots for multiple years.

When active builder interest doesn’t lead to a sale for 2 years, you can’t take that comment seriously anymore. That’s what I’m frustrated by. They’re trying to overstate progress.

 

[MattPT]

Instead of writing the same thing over again, why don’t you guys just go back and reread the 20 times you’ve already said the exact same thing? We get, you’re unhappy. You’ve made it abundantly clear.

 

[Airboy]

When I look at how long its taken to build out Grisebach I don't complain about Blatchford. It will take time but it has been speeding up. I think once you see NAIT build on the SE corner you will see another explosion of development.