mr.x
April 12th, 2007, 01:04 AM
Towering concerns in Whalley
By Kevin Diakiw
Staff Reporter
Apr 11 2007
Another major residential tower is headed for Whalley, leaving some councillors with concerns about how the rapid development will shape the North Surrey skyline.
G5 Properties is planning to build a 33-storey tower at 13433 Gateway Drive, beside the SkyTrain line northwest of King George Highway and 108 Avenue.
The 234-suite apartment tower will be surrounded by 20 townhomes.
It’s just the latest in several towers and residential developments before council that include:
- Quattro, an 1,100-suite project at 108 Avenue and East Whalley Ring Road, which includes two towers.
- Century Group Lands Corporation will build two residential towers, 21 and 25 storeys, at 108 Avenue and West Whalley Ring Road.
- United Properties Ltd. is planning five 18-storey towers at 15399 Guildford Dr., a few blocks southeast of 108 Avenue and 152 Street.
- Odyssey Towers is planning a 20-storey tower at 13852 101 Ave.
All the Whalley projects, including the latest, have been partially fuelled by a 2003 reduction in development cost charges, which dropped construction fees by 60 per cent. That incentive expires this June, although city council is considering an extension.
At least one councillor is urging a closer examination of the projects.
Coun. Bob Bose said Monday little council forethought has been given to the tower projects planned for Whalley.
“Council barely looks at the design, and we’re being asked to approve development permits on projects that receive really no council scrutiny,” he said.
Earlier this month he asked staff to find a mechanism through which council can be better informed about design and placement of the towers, some of which may block the view corridors of others.
“The city needs to set a high standard,” Bose said. “It’s self-defeating to allow this to go ahead without serious review. In the end, the best developers, the best architects, will be dissuaded from working in Surrey.”
Bose’s request received unanimous support from his colleagues.
Mayor Dianne Watts agreed it’s important to take a close look at the architecture when developing the city’s skyline.
She doesn’t believe the city is moving too fast in approving the projects, but thinks a closer look is advisable.
© Copyright 2007 Surrey Leader
By Kevin Diakiw
Staff Reporter
Apr 11 2007
Another major residential tower is headed for Whalley, leaving some councillors with concerns about how the rapid development will shape the North Surrey skyline.
G5 Properties is planning to build a 33-storey tower at 13433 Gateway Drive, beside the SkyTrain line northwest of King George Highway and 108 Avenue.
The 234-suite apartment tower will be surrounded by 20 townhomes.
It’s just the latest in several towers and residential developments before council that include:
- Quattro, an 1,100-suite project at 108 Avenue and East Whalley Ring Road, which includes two towers.
- Century Group Lands Corporation will build two residential towers, 21 and 25 storeys, at 108 Avenue and West Whalley Ring Road.
- United Properties Ltd. is planning five 18-storey towers at 15399 Guildford Dr., a few blocks southeast of 108 Avenue and 152 Street.
- Odyssey Towers is planning a 20-storey tower at 13852 101 Ave.
All the Whalley projects, including the latest, have been partially fuelled by a 2003 reduction in development cost charges, which dropped construction fees by 60 per cent. That incentive expires this June, although city council is considering an extension.
At least one councillor is urging a closer examination of the projects.
Coun. Bob Bose said Monday little council forethought has been given to the tower projects planned for Whalley.
“Council barely looks at the design, and we’re being asked to approve development permits on projects that receive really no council scrutiny,” he said.
Earlier this month he asked staff to find a mechanism through which council can be better informed about design and placement of the towers, some of which may block the view corridors of others.
“The city needs to set a high standard,” Bose said. “It’s self-defeating to allow this to go ahead without serious review. In the end, the best developers, the best architects, will be dissuaded from working in Surrey.”
Bose’s request received unanimous support from his colleagues.
Mayor Dianne Watts agreed it’s important to take a close look at the architecture when developing the city’s skyline.
She doesn’t believe the city is moving too fast in approving the projects, but thinks a closer look is advisable.
© Copyright 2007 Surrey Leader