Green options sought for Hesperia project

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 30, 2009 4:00 PM

The City of Vernon wants a proposed residential development to be as green as possible. Council has instructed the city-owned Hesperia Development Corporation to investigate options for sustainable construction of 1,000 housing units on 69 acres on Apollo and Longacre drives. “It could go further and needs to go further,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. The corporation is responsible for establishing a development plan for the property. Private developers would then construct up to 1,000 residential units and some commercial lots. “Given the economic times, this could give an impetus to keep people in town and working. It could also give tradespeople training on environmental initiatives,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. One aspect of the plan is to promote bicycles, walking and residents sharing vehicles. “We are trying to set the trend for the future. We are trying to get people out of their cars,” said Ken Stewart, corporation president. Corridors will also be preserved for deer and other animals, particularly along a ravine on the property. “We have to improve the habitat for the environment and that is one of our goals and objectives,” said Stewart.

But Coun. Shawn Lee is concerned that corporation subsidies for enhanced sustainability could lead to artificial market conditions. “If it’s going to be a leader, we must show developers they can make money off of it,” he said. Considerable money will have to be spent by the corporation on site infrastructure such as $1 million for a community facility, $2 million for an expanded reservoir and $1 million for a bridge over the ravine. About 40 per cent of the 69 acres would be developed. “We don’t want to fill the property up as a solid housing development,” said Stewart. The original goal was to have the property developed in nine years, but build-out could take between 15 and 20 years because the planning process has taken longer than anticipated. “It’s a far more controlled and readily developed timeline,” said Stewart. “We will be very restrictive on what developers can build.”

It’s envisioned that the 1,000 units would consist of row houses, townhouses and four-storey apartment buildings. Most of the parking would be underground. About half of the units would be open market housing and the other half will be deemed attainable housing (for families earning between $55,000 and $90,000 a year). Stewart anticipates the entire project could generate revenue of $42 million with a potential dividend of $19 million for the city.