A proposed townhouse development will test the limits of the City of Mission’s Cedar Valley plan – and the patience of nearby residents who say their street can’t handle this kind of density.
A public hearing is set for Monday, Nov. 7, for a rezoning request for more than three acres of land at 9086 Emiry St., located one block west of Cedar Street.
The rezoning would allow for subdividing the property to allow nine single-family lots and a 21-unit townhouse project.
Some Emiry Street residents are sounding the alarm, saying the “dead-end” street can’t handle that kind of density.
“Our small dead-end street can’t handle any more homes, not to mention 21 townhouses,” one resident posted on the Mission Neighbours Facebook page. “We need another high school before more houses are built, or a grocery store up this way or an up-to-date hospital … Mission is losing the beauty of nature that it was.”
The Record visited the site and spoke to two area residents, but neither would give their names. Both opposed the development.
“Hell no,” said one resident.
“Just look at the narrow streets we have,” said another resident, referencing Laminman Avenue, which drivers must use to reach Emiry Street. “Now imagine a giant increase in traffic. The road is narrow and in rough shape.”
The property in question is on a quiet street in a densely forested area with houses on large lots. But it’s also part of the Cedar Valley Plan in which lots in the area are being developed to add more housing options in Mission.
The issue came up during the municipal election campaign in October when several candidates, including city councillors, complained about housing being approved in an area that had very few services.
The area has a gas station and a cannabis store, but little else as far as business for residents. But the city has said that businesses won’t open there until they see more residents move into the area.
The city staff report said the Emiry proposal will test the limits of the area plan.
“While the proposed development is generally consistent with the property’s OCP designation, this will be the first higher-density development under the current urban compact and attached multi-unit designations, on the east side of Emiry Street,” said the report.
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