HomeMy WebLinkAboutEngineering Memo 73-76MEMORANDUM 1173
TO: Bruce Tink, Chairman of the Public Works Committee
FROM: John Ferguson, C.E.T., Engineering Department
TOPIC: Shopping. Plaza, King Street, Bowmanville
DATE: October 22, 1976
At the present time, the Bowmanville Shopping Plaza is being constructed
at the southeast corner of Simpson Avenue and King Street.
The underground services have been installed and have been properly
adjusted to the final grade.
The problem which arises is that at the rear of the shopping plaza which
fronts onto Hobbs Drive. In this area there is a difference in elevation
from the top of the curb on the roadway to the top of the curb at the
shopping plaza of approximately 3 feet to 4.5 feet. This is the result
of King Street being approximately 3.8 feet higher than Hobbs Drive.
There is a proposed sidewalk along the north boundary of Hobbs Drive
which if located and constructed in its standard location would create
a serious problem because of the difference in elevation and harsh slopes.
There have been several solutions proposed to solve this problem and they
are as follows:
1) Fencing along north boundary of Hobbs Drive'
This solution was considered but it was felt that the fence would
require a great deal of maintenance plus it would be subject to
vandalism. The fence would have to be wooden as chain link
fencing would not create any type of screening.
2) Retaining wall along north side of Hobbs Drive
This solution was again considered but it was felt that a retaining
wall is also subject to vandalism plus it is not very attractive.
The retaining wall would also have been very expensive to construct.
3) Re -location of sidewalk on north side of Hobbs Drive
This solution was considered and seemed to be the most desirable.
The sidewalk would be re -located to 4 feet from the face of the curb
and therefore, would allow the slope from the parking lot to be
considerably less. The sidewalk would be very close to the hydrants
on Hobbs Drive but I have discussed this with the Region and they
have agreed to this proposal.
To create screening, the owner has agreed to landscape this bank with
trees and shrubbery along the entire section plus maintain these
shrubs. They are also willing to clear the sidewalk of snow and
provide winter maintenance.
Therefore, I would appreciate your comments on this proposal.