In an article by Michelle Ferguson titled “Villeneuve realignment approved,” which appeared in the Wednesday (09/23/15) edition of the St. Albert Gazette, it is reported that at the meeting of 09/21/15 I commended council for not repeating mistakes of the past in reference to the closure of Coal Mine Road. In essence, that was correct, however my commendations were addressed more directly to the administration for submitting a thorough report as prepared by the contracted traffic-engineering firm. Although I have been very critical in the past, I must give credit when and where it is due. The provision for oral presentations followed by proper questioning and debate culminated with the approval of the recommended fifth option.
However, confusion may arise with the publication of a letter, authored by myself, in last Saturday’s (09/26/15) edition of the Gazette under the title, “Here they go again.” Having been drafted prior to the council meeting but not immediately published, I submitted an edited version of the original that did not appear in print. Although I firmly stand by my description of the severe traffic woes facing Erin Ridge, the content urging public attendance at the council meeting is of course no longer pertinent.
What we, the residents of Erin Ridge, had predicted regarding traffic conditions and related safety within our subdivision has come to pass. Excessive development, infill and the ramifications thereof have remained a serious concern throughout the debacle surrounding Eldorado Park to the present day. What is now happening in Deer Ridge and other areas adjacent to Villeneuve Road elicits a strong sense of déjàvu!
Murray Lambert, St. Albert
