Township council: Sandhill project gets go-ahead
Legal action didn't stop Township Council from unanimously approving a development in Willoughby.
by Matthew Claxton
Despite a looming lawsuit, Langley Township councillors voted to approve a Willoughby development that involves moving a stream.
The Sandhill project was approved in a unanimous vote at Monday's meeting. The project will allow the construction of 142 units of senior housing, 198 strata apartments, and 1,460 square metres of commercial space in the 20100 block of 66th Ave.
The approval was delayed after Murray Wood asked some questions at the public hearing.
Wood owns the land to the east of Sandhill's properties. He was upset that Jeffries Brook, which runs through the middle of the Sandhill site, is to be diverted to run along the edge of his property.
He believes that stream setbacks will mean giving up between one third and 40 per cent of his property as future developable area.
Last month, he launched a lawsuit against the Township to stop the creek from being moved.
On April 12, Wood's lawyer Jonathan Baker filed a claim against the Township. "The Plaintiff's claim is against the Defendant for nuisance, and intentional abuse of process arising from the proposed relocation of a creek known as Jeffries Brook, from neighbouring lands to the West onto and through the Plaintiff's lands," the writ reads.
Wood wants damages, a "declaration that the proposed relocation is contrary to the applicable Willowbrook Community Plan," and costs.
However, Township staff told Council on Monday afternoon that all the questions about the relocation were addressed.
According to staff, the relocation of the stream is consistent with Township, Environment Ministry, and Department of Fisheries and Oceans plans.
There shouldn't be any negative impact on Wood's property, the report states.
"No restrictive covenants are provided, required or being requested on the adjacent property [Wood's property]," the staff report reads.
The report also advises against any compensation or land swap.
Nearby Township-owned land was bought for a neighbourhood park that will go to Langley Fundamental Middle School.
Coun. Bob Long received $1,000 from Sandhill during the last election campaign.
Councillors Mel Kositsky and Kim Richter, were absent from the meeting.
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