Businesses that need an air-quality permit to operate will not be able to set up shop in a business park proposed for the 18700-block of 28 Avenue in South Surrey, following a council vote Monday to place a restrictive covenant on the properties.
“If you need to go to Metro Vancouver for a permit, then you really should look to other lands in order to have your industrial use,” Coun. Vera LeFranc said in supporting a motion put forward by Coun. Mike Starchuk.
The 15.3-acre property, at 18718 28 Ave., is eyed for 14 business-park lots.
It was the subject of a public hearing last November, where “a significant amount of concern” expressed by residents prompted council to refer the rezoning application – asking for comprehensive development instead of general agriculture – back to staff.
Residents who spoke that evening cited potential impact to creeks, organic farming, wildlife and water quality;tree loss; and the development’s proximity to East Kensington Elementary, which is transitioning to an outdoor-learning program.
The agent for the developer said steps were taken to meet requirements for sensitive ecosystems, and Starchuk noted Monday that the project now complies with existing guidelines for streamside development.
Terry McNeice, a South Surrey resident who has been calling on the city to ensure businesses operating inCampbell Heights do not produce emissions, initially commended the restrictive-covenant decision.
“We want to thank the mayor and council members for their foresight and taking that action,” he told Peace ArchNews the next day. “It’s a step in the right direction.”
However, Thursday, McNeice asked to retract his statement, noting research into restrictive covenants made it unclear how effective the move will be.
“We believe the RC can be relatively easily removed,” he said. “The wording (online) is quite vague.”
McNeice noted residents were disappointed the application received third reading.
“There were hundreds of people who signed petition sheets opposing the rezoning,” he said, noting traffic and other concerns remain. “My phone has been ringing off the hook with people irate that that property was rezoned.”
Sonja Kroecher described the pending tree loss as “pretty sad… I’ve walked the property several times. I think most of the trees are going.”
She also questioned the strength of the restrictive covenant.
“I think it’s a good start. I just don’t know who’s going to enforce it.”
Coun. Tom Gill said Monday that the zoning bylaw itself should be strengthened so that a restrictive covenant isn’t necessary; to ensure “continuity and consistency in that particular area” and throughout the business park(IB) zone.
Council supported Gill’s motion to have staff review the IB zone and how it comes into play with MetroVancouver air-permitting.