[Halifax] Clifton & King Apartments (2651 Clifton) | 31 M | 10 FL | U/C

[Arrdeeharharharbour]

I'd guess that the sidewalks might need to be made wider to accommodate increased density in the area. And perhaps additional traffic lights; one on North and another on Robie. I doubt it'd be possible to have too much density in this area. Anecdotally, I used to live in this area and work downtown and my 18 year old vehicle has yet to reach 100k kms. It's just such a walkable area. And regarding the rubber-stamped increase in height, I wonder if the additional floors weren't already considered or available under the bonus height rules?

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by Arrdeeharharharbour

And regarding the rubber-stamped increase in height, I wonder if the additional floors weren't already considered or available under the bonus height rules?

Planning is supposed to take into account a matrix of issues that deal with the consequences of increased density. With those federally-imposed density bonuses for older areas developed over a century ago, the job of the planner ceases to be necessary since the rules no longer apply. Shameful negligence by every level of government.

[IanWatson]

I suspect that this will have much less of an effect on North Street traffic than putting 2,000 units in West Bedford or Portland Hills would. Certainly many of the residents will drive places, but a good chunk of them won't need to. Groceries are right there. Downtown is an easy bike, bus, or walk. Hospital is an easy bike, bus, or walk.

As an aside, thanks for the recommendation on Tanner's Recycling.

[someone123]

Originally Posted by IanWatson

I suspect that this will have much less of an effect on North Street traffic than putting 2,000 units in West Bedford or Portland Hills would. Certainly many of the residents will drive places, but a good chunk of them won't need to. Groceries are right there. Downtown is an easy bike, bus, or walk. Hospital is an easy bike, bus, or walk.

It would be interesting to see a study of how much traffic in different areas is local versus regional. I'd guess that car ownership rates on the peninsula are low and falling.

Halifax could do even better if it had BRT and eventually streetcars/LRT. In some cases denser areas with more complete services (like walkable grocery stores) and transit must be better for traffic. Or at least if you live in those areas you're not constantly dealing with the traffic and parking issues. I live in a busy area that's very high density but I only drive about once a month (car share).

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by someone123

It would be interesting to see a study of how much traffic in different areas is local versus regional. I'd guess that car ownership rates on the peninsula are low and falling.

I think you're right. My anecdotal experience with this neghbourhood suggests more people are going car-free. My building is close to Clifton Street and we used to have our parking garage full of cars every night. The building doesn't have enough spaces for each unit to have a parking spot. Despite this over the years the number of cars has slowly decreased to the point that quite often the lot is now less than half full overnight. The building is still fully occupied and nothing has changed with the nearby on-street parking. The building, and neighbourhood in general, have strongly shifted demographics during the same period.

The 2015 and 2025 versions of North End Halifax are very different places. In my experience the change has been positive.

[Colin May]

I have data showing hourly traffic volumes entering the peninsula. Obviously out of date.
For every HRM resident living on the peninsula there are 3.7 people living off the peninsula. Few families live on the peninsula and the suburbs will continue to be the place of choice for couples seeking to form a family.

[Dmajackson]

They've installed support beams for the shoring wall. Excavation work has started since I took this photo.


HalifaxDevelopments.ca - "2651Clifton" tag (Photo by David Jackson)

[Dmajackson]

Construction Management Plan - 2651 Clifton Street

There is a basic rendering in the link above.

No suprises in the document. This should be a decent mid-rise building for a fast-growing neighbourhood. It will be a background building compared to Richmond Yards just like Millennia Suites next door.

City Centre Property Management (developer) is also building WYSE TOWER on Williams Street in Dartmouth (the 27-storey building going up alongside MacDonald Bridge).

[Dmajackson]

HalifaxDevelopments.ca (Photo by David Jackson)