This story has been edited from the original on-line version posted late last week and the print version on Friday to reflect a spelling error and some information that due to print constraints, were not published in the original story.
Despite objections from a number of area residents, Delta council has approved a multi-family rental housing complex proposed for the corner of Ladner Trunk Road and 54A Street.
The project will include 20 townhouses and four garden apartments.
Following a public hearing Tuesday night, council voted 5-1 in favour of conditional approval, with only Mayor Lois Jackson voting against the application.
At the hearing, Adlington Court residents presented a 45-signature petition as well as several verbal presentations against the project’s size, the fact numerous trees, which provide shade, security and privacy, will be removed as well as issues with parking and traffic congestion.
“There is a need for more rental housing, not just in South Delta, but throughout the entire Lower Mainland. My argument is not against rental housing,” said resident Laird Cossar. “Property owners should be able to make changes to their property, but when the property owner proposes changes that far exceed anything reasonable and will have a negative impact on neighbours both in lifestyle and financially, it is a problem that we count on our elected officials to protect us.”
Cossar said a better idea would be to adjust the size of the project to one or two buildings with 12 or 14 units placed in the centre of the property, thus saving trees, green space and allowing for more space between the new development and existing townhomes.
“There has to be a way to make this project work so it is a win-win,” he added. “As it stands, the only winner in this project is the developer. We are Delta taxpayers and we are asking you to help us come out as winners too.”
There were several speakers who spoke in favour of the project, calling it a much-needed and thoughtful development for Ladner.
Jeremy Stan represented Wesley Wollin, Dandyk + Wollin Architects Inc. at the hearing. He presented a detailed outline of the project, its positives and benefits to the community and that it was a development that he would be proud to live in.
Councillors asked staff for clarity on several aspects of the development, namely did it fit and conform with the area.
Deputy director of planning Marcy Sangret said the proposed density and building height are consistent with what is called for in the Official Community Plan and the Ladner Area Plan.
“The height of the proposed townhomes is 41 feet, which is pretty typical of a three-storey townhome,” said Sangret. “They have produced a shadow study and produced a landscape plan that would look to replace many of the trees on site recognizing that a lot of the large trees would have to be removed.”
Councillors said they were sympathetic to residents’ concerns and urged the developers, who were in attendance, to work with neighbours to try and address those concerns.
“I appreciate the impacts on the neighbourhood, especially the folks right next door. It will be a change as it was a change when their townhouse unit was proposed in Ladner,” said Coun. Jeannie Kanakos. “It’s a challenge, it’s a balance. I’m hoping the proponents heard the issues around traffic and trees and will work with the residents during the construction period and in the future.”
Coun. Sylvia Bishop said there is a crying need for different types of housing in the rental market and this development addresses that.
In voting against the project, Jackson said she had real concerns about the size, the removal of so many trees and the parking issues.
“I applaud the applicants coming forward with a project that includes rental stock,” said Jackson. “But it occurs to me that it shouldn’t make any difference. Rental stock should not be less attractive, any less valuable or different than market housing. I’m going to support the neighbours. It is their neighbourhood. Yes, we need market rental housing, but we have to also look at the people that it impacts.”
