UPDATE on Development Proposal Meeting (Wed. Feb 25) by HUB Engineering (Mike Kompter) regarding the proposed 12 three story duplexes at 13997 113 Avenue (Dev. Prop. 14-0325). There was significant opposition to the proposal, and there was a City Planner (Jeff Denny) who observed the proceedings with approximately 50 people present and will be reporting back to city hall. There was also significant dissatisfaction that no engineer/ architect drawings were provided so residents could look at possible scenarios. There were a couple of "informal votes" held by members of the audience through the meeting... Nobody supported the 12 duplex proposal, but there was also a formal proposal by the developer (HUB Engineering) for 8 smaller SF lots which would permit 8x3500 sq. ft. houses to be built. With this plan there would be six smaller (shorter lots front on to the section of 140 St, and then just one house would front onto 113 Ave, and 1 fronting onto 113A Ave. The two larger lots on 113th Ave and 113A Ave, would be narrower, and therefore only permit the construction of a 3 500 sq ft house on each street. I feel the Community Association should consider this proposal as well, because it would make for 8 more lots in the area that are only constructed up to the limit of 3500 sq ft (they would not be large enough for monster homes).
As the property exists (with no change to zoning), it would be possible to build 6x3500 sq ft residences, although this would most likely (according to HUB) allow the construction of 6x6000 sq ft houses on these lots, due to all the loopholes.
The realtor for the project (Bhupinder Litt), who represented the actually owner, briefly made the case that the 12 Duplexes would allow for more affordable housing in the area, and would therefore permit more young families to purchase homes in the area. It is true that once one development went through with these narrow width duplex lots, it would be possible to rezone many other lots as duplex, and this would certainly bump up the density in this area, which is an aim of the City of Surrey. Mike Kompter also indicated that HUB Engineering, and the developer would not be involved with the actually construction of the development, and would most likely sell the lots individually when the zoning amendment occurred. This further frustrated the residents who were concerned about what could possibly occur as the lots are sold individually, and thus not developed together, meaning no continuity through the development.
Overall, the people at the meeting were strongly opposed to the development.
