Maple Ridge Coun. Al Hogarth, a realtor, wants to get rid of all the secondary suites in the high-density subdivisions of Albion.
He blames them for the “disgusting” parking issues on the narrow streets of the developments flanking 102 Avenue, and suggests if homeowners can’t afford their mortgages without such help, they should move.
Firstly, secondary suites are not to blame for all the vehicles parked on the narrow Albion streets, approved by the council of the day and which are standard in small-lot subdivisions around the Lower Mainland. Lack of space is the culprit, for various reasons.
Secondly, illegal suites are no more of an issue in Albion than anywhere else in the community, according the district bylaws department.
So why is Hogarth taking aim at Albion?
Was he on council when those subdivisions were approved?
Did he sell any of those homes?
If all the suspected suite renters in Albion were flushed out, where would they go?
Who knows.
But none of the properties Hogarth rents out are “disgusting.” Not like the one he managed in Port Haney that was raided by police three times in 12 months. Police arrested five people total and seized all sorts of illegal drugs from it.
But secondary suites in Albion are the real problem, all those residents parking on the streets.
Meanwhile, Hogarth thinks the district should legalize homes with two non-owner occupied suites.
That wouldn’t increase the probability of on-street parking in any way?
On another note, council hasn’t decided if it will widen part of Brown Avenue, as Hogarth requested, and where he manages three lots that are part of a redevelopment proposal to construct a three-tower condo project.
Maybe some of the poor folks in Albion will need a new place to stay.
– Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News