Townhouse complex planned for problematic area of City

A plan to breathe new life into one of the City of Langleys more troublesome corners was greeted with a mix of enthusiasm and caution by members of council on Monday night.

At its Monday (Feb. 16) meeting, council issued a development permit for the construction of an eight-unit townhouse complex on a strip of land at the corner of 56 Avenue and 201A Street an area that is somewhat notorious for illicit drug use and prostitution.

At a public hearing earlier in the meeting, architect Fred Adab and landscape architect Mary Chan presented a plan for the development on behalf of the property owner, Jasbir Singh, who operates the Stop and Shop convenience store on the opposite side of 56 Avenue.

The lot, which is long and very narrow, presented a unique challenge for designers, said Adab.

The solution came in a plan for two buildings of four units each, to be constructed in a single line fronting 201A Street, with driveway and parking access at the rear of the property.

The eight three-storey units will be 1,500 square feet, including three bedrooms and a den. Each unit will boast a private rooftop garden with lattices and a two-car garage.

The development is geared toward affluent people who are downsizing from a detached house, but dont want to live in a tiny apartment or townhouse, said Adab.

The proposal includes skirting the property with 40 trees and 750 shrubs all drought-tolerant, said Chan, during a brief presentation.

Only one person spoke at the public hearing. A resident of the condominium complex at 20145 55A Ave., located across the street from the proposed development, complimented the architect on the design, but told council she is concerned about the impact that eight new units might have on already limited parking in the area. She asked whether any measures could be taken to designate street parking as resident-only.

Its a lovely building, she said. I like the urban design and the gardens.

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Townhouse complex planned for problematic area of City