A new townhouse complex proposed for construction next to an industrial property in Murrayville has passed third reading.
On Jan. 30, council voted 8-1 in favour of 24 townhomes located on 1.33 acres at 21671 Fraser Highway.
The new homes will be constructed between 52 Avenue on the north and the Chevron gas station on the south. Directly east of the property is the Glenwood Village townhouses, and to the west is the Travelodge Hotel.
During a public hearing on Jan. 16, speaker Glenn Bell, whose company owns nearby Harrison Pointe retirement apartments, said he is in favour of the project, but is worried about the loss of eight to 10 parking spaces along 52 Avenue.
He said many people are using that street as an unofficial park ’n ride for the bus stop at 216 Street, and about four to five of those spaces are used by his staff.
Another speaker, who goes by the name Anna R., said she is concerned with potential livability issues of having homes right next to commercial. She is also worried that these new homes will increase traffic in an area that she says is already facing traffic flow issues. In particular, she noted that 50B Avenue, which ends in a cul-de-sac, has become a popular turnaround point for drivers visiting the McDonald’s on 216 Street and Fraser Highway.
A representative of the proponent, Barnett Dembek Architects, said that the gas station is currently in the process of being decommissioned, and that a restaurant or convenience store may take its place.
Council later passed the development through third reading with two conditions: That a replacement fence be installed on the east side of the property, and that an acoustic wall be added between the commercial and residential buildings.
Coun. Charlie Fox said that he would also like Township staff to work with the proponent to see if more parking can be retained along 52 Avenue.
Coun. Kim Richter commented that perhaps the Township should instead put time-limited parking in that area so people aren’t monopolizing it.
Ramin Seifi, Township general manager of engineering and community development, added that staff are currently working on a holistic parking plan for the entire Township that may help address this.
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