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Higher densities maybe for Albion

A May 30 open house on the idea drew 150 people who had mixed views on Maple Ridge neighbourhood
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South Albion around 102nd Avenue is running out of room so council is wondering whether more and smaller lots should go in the northern half of Albion, north of 108th Avenue.

A May 30 open house on the idea drew 150 people who had mixed views on the area.

People were asked their thoughts on three development scenarios for the area which is interlaced with creeks and has more environmental challenges.

A staff report notes that developers are asking for higher densities than those currently in place.

Three population density scenarios are laid out for two areas:

For Area 1, 105 hectares north of Kanaka Creek, the first scenario using the existing calls for 557 sq. m (6,000 sq. ft.) lots north of 112th Avenue, while large lots (2,000 sq. m or 21,600 sq. ft.) go south of 112th Avenue. That’s the zoning allowed under Maple Ridge’s existing community plan and would see 452 homes built.

A second scenario offers the same mix, but includes additional conservation areas and reduces the area where homes can be built, resulting in 51 fewer homes.

The third scenario suggests smaller lots, mainly 371 sq. m (4,000 sq. ft.) north of 112th Avenue, with 668 sq. m (7,190 sq. ft.) south of that road. That option also allows for the most number of lots, 624.

When it comes to Area 2, the 74-ha chunk farther east, one option is to stay with the existing community plan, allowing large lots west of 248th Street and 557-sq.-m (6,000 sq. ft.) lots east of 248th Street, for a total of 544 homes.

A second scenario proposes lots of 668 sq. m (7,190 sq. ft.) west of 248th Street and 371 sq. m (4,000 sq. ft.) lots east of 248th Street, increasing the number of homes to 640.

A third scenario is similar to the preceding except that 557 sq. m lots go on the west side of 248th Street. The latter foresees the highest number of units, 666.

When the two areas are combined, residents could choose between the 996 homes that are part of the current official community plan, or two other development options, zoning that would allow 1,041 homes or 1,290 homes.

In people terms, it could mean having 3,081 new residents there under the old plan or 3,753 people under the new plan.

Staff will read over the comments from the open house and online surveys and write a report for council’s June 18 meeting.

 

New sign bylaw could clean streets

Staff have heard the public’s thoughts, now they’re writing a report distilling it all so council can look at a new bylaw regulating commercial signs.

About a dozen people showed up at an info meeting May 30. Those comments, along with staff expertise will go into a report that should get to council later this month.

Most people were worried about any new rules that could affect their signs and their business, said bylaws director Liz Holitzky.

She pointed out many signs that businesses display are temporary.

“Every community is unique in itself. You can’t say what’s right and what’s wrong.” Staff will write a draft bylaw. Council will look at that, then get more feedback before proceeding.