Resident evening gives positive feedback to the new Kaupunginkallionrinne plan – concerns expressed over the block of flats
On 14 June 2023, an information and discussion event on the development of the Kaupunginkallionrinne area was held for residents interested in the amendment to the detailed plan. About 20 people attended the event at the Entresse library. The discussion was lively both during the plan’s presentation and in the discussion groups led by the planners.
The amendment to the Kaupunginkalliorinne detailed plan will allow the conversion of the northern parts of the area near Espoon keskus station into a residential area. Low-rise residential construction is proposed for the southern part of the plan area. The detailed plan aims to secure the regionally significant ecological connection through the area and other natural values.
It was decided to continue the planning process with the preparation of a new participation and assessment scheme and preparatory materials and consultation of the parties involved, as the starting points of the plan have partly changed from the situation in 2014. The new plans attach special importance to preserving nature values and considering any ecological connections. At the residents’ event, the planners discussed the plan area and the plans with the couple dozen interested participants that arrived at the event. The evening saw a fruitful and active discussion on the area’s future.
Concerns about the construction plans for the block of flats
During the resident evening, the planners presented different options for the proposed block of flats and low-rise residential areas. The event participants expressed concerns over the height of the blocks of flats. All plans for the block of flats area start from the premise that the buildings do not exceed the height of the trees in the area. The residents wanted to ensure that the block of flats area would not stand out too much from the landscape.
Some participants were concerned about the negative impact on the communality of the block of flats area if the buildings were too high. The low-rise residential area did not arouse much discussion among the participants.
Plan details raised questions
The cityscape details of the block of flats area and the traffic solutions sparked discussion at the event. Several questions were asked about the City Railway cutting. The residents hoped there would be sufficient space between the block of flats area and the City Railway and the streets to be built in the area.
The residents also expressed their dissatisfaction with the functionality of Kamreerintie and Espoonväylä. There were concerns about the lack of parking spaces and road congestion. It was hoped that the new streets planned for the area would be sufficiently wide. Some residents reported problems with the removal of snow. Residents would like the area’s streets to have enough parking space and smooth maintenance.
The event and the improved plan were well received
Overall, the participants found the new plan better than the old one, expressing their thanks to the planners. The residents emphasised their wish to preserve local nature and were satisfied with the improved positioning of the buildings.
The atmosphere was active and conversational. The residents presented the planners with many questions, which were addressed jointly following the plan area presentation. After the general questions, the residents and planners were divided into smaller groups, and the discussion deepened. Many participants thanked the event and the opportunity to ask and have a free-form discussion with the planners.
Read more and follow the plan’s progress
The participation and assessment scheme and the preparatory materials will be available until 11 July 2023 on the plan website. Residents may participate by submitting their opinion on the plan while it is available for public review. Instructions can be found on the plan site.
You can also submit your opinion by answering an online survey. The survey will be open until 11 July. https://link.webropol.com/s/kaupunginkallionrinne(external link, opens in a new window)
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