Maple Ridge city council wants less density in a proposed 48-unit townhouse development on a two-acre site on Fern Crescent.
The properties involved are at 24070 128th Ave. and 24195 Fern Cres., and had been originally before council for a subdivision of approximately 27 single-family houses in 2022. The site is located in the Horse Hamlet Village of the Silver Valley area plan, the lots are a combined 0.837 hectares, and there are currently two houses on the properties.
Applicant Jagdeep Mann now proposes 38 four-bedroom units, and 10 three-bedroom townhomes, in three-storey buildings. Woodlock Developments is the builder, and their past projects include Albion Townhomes, McIvor Meadows custom homes and more in Maple Ridge and the Lower Mainland.
The density the applicant proposed exceeds the allowable density in the Silver Valley Area Plan, and council voted on Dec. 12 to refer the matter back to staff, to consider a development with fewer units.
A questionnaire and emails showed 29 respondents in support of the application as is, nine opposed, and two neutral. Many of the comments in support noted the need for more housing, and the comparative affordability of townhomes.
Those opposed said there was too much density, not enough parking space, and that townhouses did not fit in the neighbourhood.
Coun. Korleen Carreras said she struggles with the density as proposed.
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“Times have changed – totally fine with townhouses, but I think this density is a challenge in this area,” she said.
Carreras also noted there is a lack of transit in that area, or capacity in schools.
Her viewpoint was echoed by Sunny Schiller, who also didn’t like the level of density on Fern Crescent.
“I have no issue with density in certain areas of the city, but I think we need to be thoughtful about it,” said Schiller.
Coun. Judy Dueck said the project has the support of city staff, overall positive community feedback, and she appreciates the family-sized three and four bedroom units.
Dueck noted the developer would offer more than $1 million to the city – $355,000 in community amenity contributions, and a cash contribution of $670,000 for increased density. They would also offer $195,000 toward a neighbourhood park improvement.
“So there’s a lot of positives,” she said.
“Traffic is definitely a negative in the overall Silver Valley, but that’s incumbent on us to look at it from a city perspective,” Dueck said.
She added that a bridge across the Alouette River at 240th Street and second route into the area must be built, regardless of whether this development occurs.
The issue will be back before council at a future meeting.
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