PANORAMA — Surrey’s council chambers are expected to be packed on June 27 when a controversial development application is scheduled for a public hearing.
Last month, more than 100 people attended an open house for the proposed 287-unit development on a lot at the southeast corner of 152nd Avenue and Panorama Drive.
Locals urged the developer to go back to the drawing board and return with something that doesn’t impact local schools.
“I expect there will be lots of opposition to this from the neighbourhood,” said Cindy Dalglish, local mother and advocate, of the planned hearing. “Like the numbers that showed up to the YMCA open house, we expect more people to show up to ensure city councillors and the mayor hear us when we say this development cannot move forward.”
Dalglish said she’s “hopeful” the city will do right by the community and listen to their concerns.
A report to city council noted the developer, Redekop Homes, has reduced the number of units, and has increased the size of 31 townhouse and incorporated space for an elevator shaft in 28 to try to attract a “downsizer demographic.”
But for Dalglish, the changes are not enough.
“We are not happy that is was moved so quickly through the land use process,” she added.
A total of 87 students are projected from the development, according to the city report.