Jens von Bergmann has produced a nifty bit of data visualization on encroachment by certain property owners onto city-owned land. And, quell surprise, he’s pointed his computers at the Point Grey Road area.
The blue areas are private property, and the colour represents land value — dark blue is over $ 10,000/m2; lightest blue is a paltry $ 4,000 – $ 5,000 per m2.
Land value data over satellite map — MountainMath.ca
Via Twitter:
Jens von Bergmann
@vb_jens
Who is encroaching on valuable public land? Check our handy land value over satellite map.
Mr. von Bergmann runs MountainMath: ” …. an independent Vancouver-based company centered around data analysis, management and visualization.”
One has to wonder why Jens has targetted Point Grey Road — why not show the city-wide encroachments. Seems discriminatory to “point” only at Point Grey Road. There is nothing unique, untoward, or notable about the setbacks on Point Grey Road, except perhaps the time, money and effort gone into beautifying them at the homeowners’ expense. Most of the other pervasive setbacks in the city are weedbeds on almost every street.
One need not wonder. As the subject of a current controversy, it makes total sense from a newsworthyness perspective rather than a conspiracy theory perspective.
I’m unclear what the point of this illustration is. Is it because it shows that people who own valuable houses don’t want their trees bulldozed? Is that news?
I don’t think anyone has suggested bulldozing people’s trees. If they were people’s trees, they would be situated on people’s property. And most of what is under discussion on public land is closer to shrubbery.
I guess you haven’t been there. I have and these are very large, mature trees. Shrubs as well, but not just shrubs. I’m not sure if you realize that people all over the city plant trees and shrubs on what is actually city land, but which the home owner is responsible for upkeep. No one mows the lawn beyond the sidewalk if the home owner doesn’t do it.
Ironic, also, that the city was so upset when CP rail started tearing up people’s beautiful gardens which had been tended for years on what everyone considered abandoned rail lines, but, in fact, were still CP Rail property. I was angry with CP for doing that as well. Were you? The city was, but now the city says, tough luck, not your land.
Yes, I’ve been there. I was going partly on having been there many times, and partly on the City display boards showing which trees would be retained (by moving the sidewalk) and which would be removed. And then adding in the information on all the new street trees.
I don’t think there will necessarily be lawn on the front boulevards based on the concerns expressed at Council about water issues.
Thanks to Jens for monetizing the incredible value of the PUBLIC land in question. Very useful info.