Editor,
I have seen the Westcorp proposal for the two 24-storey towers and 14-storey tower with 1,010 underground parking spaces on the southwest corner of 84th Avenue and 112th Street in North Delta.
I was shocked that the city [general manager of development] recommended that the proposal be advanced for public consultation, but I am pleased to see that city council rejected the recommendation and chose not to advance the development proposal.
The proposal isn't in keeping with the provincial government’s new mandated zoning laws that provide for high density towers in areas near transit hubs — neither 84th nor 112th is a major transit artery and the only transit hub serving North Delta is several kilometres away at 72nd and Scott Road.
And, more importantly, the proposal is not in keeping with the spirit of Delta’s Official Community Plan, which was adopted unanimously by council just a year ago. After all, what is the point of an Official Community Plan that designates an area for mid-rise apartments if consideration is then given to 24-storey highrises?
Both 112th and 84th are two-lane roads with three schools on 112th and two on or near 84th. The area already suffers from commuter congestion caused by traffic to and from Surrey, Highway 91 and the Alex Fraser Bridge. Adding the potential of another 1,010 cars at this intersection would be irresponsible.
In the past council has shown little regard for the traffic congestion in North Delta that is ruining our neighbourhoods.
In adopting the OCP, council heard opposition from residents to the proposal for six kilometres of highrises up to 32 storeys on Scott Road. Nevertheless, council disregarded the concerns of North Delta residents and approved it.
I hope that in turning down this development application council is demonstrating a new commitment to working toward preserving and improving the quality of life for the residents of North Delta rather than continually assailing it.
I thank the mayor and all members of council for their decision.
Richard Hoover, North Delta
