A public hearing regarding plans for another business park in South Surrey is set for 7 p.m. Monday (Nov. 21) in council chambers at Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave.
Opponents of the plan – to subdivide 15.3 hectares at 28 Avenue and 188 Street into 14 business-park lots – describe it as "a lose, lose for us all."
"We're losing too much forested land in Surrey," said Carl Thielemann.
"It's just heartbreaking to see another land go to big warehouses."
According to information online, the City of Surrey has received an application to rezone the forested parcel – located just west of East Kensington Elementary – from general agriculture to comprehensive development, with one lot (approximately 2.5 hectares on the west, equal to 16 per cent of the total site) to be conveyed to the city "for the protection of environmental areas."
In addition, the proponent is asking for a development variance permit, to reduce the minimum stream-side setback to 11 metres from 30 at the closest point, to accommodate the layout.
According to a Nov. 7 planning and development report, the proposal complies with the site's 'mixed employment' designation in the Official Community Plan, and the proposed rezoning "meets the intent of the OCP and (Local Area Plan) designations for the site and will accommodate light impact industry, limited office and service uses."
Monday's public hearing is the last opportunity for anyone who would like to comment on the application to make submissions.
South Surrey resident Terry McNeice – who has also represented residents concerned about a galvanizing plant that opened last year in the same area – said he will "absolutely" be speaking up.
McNeice said concerns with the application include tree loss, the area's environmental sensitivity, potential emissions and the proximity to the elementary school, which has recently been announced is transitioning into an outdoor-learning school.
McNeice said it's also concerning to not know what is planned within the business park itself.
The Nov. 7 planning report recommends council instruct staff to resolve a number of issues prior to final adoption, including that the applicant obtain approval from the Ministry of Environment for the removal of a Class B watercourse on 28 Avenue and complete a 'sensitive ecosystem development permit.'