Takhini West residents are joining in discussions on Takhini North development, although the time for major changes to design plans has passed, city planners have said.

Some Takhini West residents have circulated a letter to fellow residents that apprises them of the design plans for Takhini North developments and asks, "Do you know what is happening in your backyard?"

The letter is not signed, but says it has been prepared by "concerned Takhini North residents."

"Much of the development is happening right behind residents on Falaise Road and Falaise Place," says the letter.

Both final design concepts were presented by the city March 5, and include commercial/residential develop for an area on Range Road that is close to the backyards of Falaise residents.

Other concerns in the letter relate to density, with the author saying 210 proposed residences are too high a number.

"While we are not opposed to infill, and it is part of making Whitehorse more sustainable, this high level of density will significantly reduce green spaces for Takhini West and North and increase traffic considerably on Range Road," it reads.

"The reason for the high density is because city council insists the new development should cover the costs of upgrading sewer and water services to existing Takhini North residences."

Mayor Bev Buckway told the Star that while the issue of infrastructure upgrades is separate from Takhini North development, the costs do correspond.

"Council has always said the sale of the lots on the new development would have to cover the costs of upgrading the infrastructure," she said Monday.

"If it doesn't, who's going to pay for it? .... It's standard procedure."

Takhini North residents continue to meet with city council and administration on cost-sharing details of infrastructure upgrades.

Since 2002, the city has held a number of open houses and meetings about subdivision development, where comments and concerns were collected, said city planner Mike Ellis.

Specifically, there were two design workshops in May 2007 that have directed the city's development plans.

At each planning stage, comments have been carefully weighed and considered, said planners.

Indeed, when Takhini and city residents expressed dissatisfaction with city plans to relocate the broomball rink, the city opted to keep it in the final design.

The city's website also has the latest design plan updates on its home page for all residents to access, as well as a detailed list of how public comments have led to design changes.

"It's a cumulative process," said Ellis.

"You have to consider all the weight they (previous comments) carry."

He said because residents have been able to participate in the design process since inception, any comments to dramatically change plans now will not translate into revised designs.

"It's in the final details by now," he said.

The city's deadline for comments on design concepts A and B is April 11, at which point city planners will begin compiling comments.

The following Wednesday, April 16, the city is planning to hold an open house at which staff will present a final design concept for Takhini North.

This open house will begin at 5 p.m. at the Takhini Elementary School library.

A letter sent to Takhini West residents on April 2 signed by Ellis outlines this feedback opportunity.

Takhini West residences say in their letter they are dismayed the city has not contacted them directly about development plans in Takhini North.

"The letter they sent this week to Takhini West residents is the first direct outreach to our neighbourhood, and it is happening at the tail end of the consultation period," it reads.

Ellis told the Star Monday if Takhini West residents had so wished, they could have participated in all previous public comment opportunities.

It's now too late for sweeping changes to Takhini North development plans.