A revised version of ParkLane Homes’ proposal for a townhouse complex in the 21800 block of 50 Avenue in Murrayville was approved by Township council on Monday night, with only Councillor Kim Richter opposed.

After working with Township staff to address neighbouring residents’ concerns, ParkLane has reduced the number of units from 146 to 143.

ParkLane also addressed residents’ concerns by incorporating all required parking within the complex.

“The parking variance request has been withdrawn,” explained John Geraghty, Township manager of development planning.

The 352 parking spaces are on site without eliminating any additional trees, he said. However, the proposed site at the top of Hospital Hill has 206 trees. All but 41 will be cut down.

Last month, council sent the proposal back to staff after numerous concerns were brought up by nearby residents about the scale and design of the development.

Council asked staff to go back to the proponent and address the various areas of concern. That consultation has taken place and is now part of the development prerequisites, said Geraghty who discussed the changes with a crowd of Murrayville residents in the audience.

ParkLane has also agreed to upgrade 49 Avenue and 220 Street to municipal standards, including sidewalks in collaboration with the Township, which owns the neighbouring land.

Concerns about people cutting through the property to get to and from Fraser Highway will be addressed through fencing, he said.

ParkLane is going to enhance landscaping by adding trees to the southeast area.

Councillor Kim Richter asked how neighbours’ concerns about noise were being addressed.

“The trees adjacent to Fraser Highway will remain,” he answered.

“I thought the noise complaints were about hours of work which are always addressed by the municipal bylaws of hours of operation.”

“The concern residents had was about buffering,” replied Richter.

ParkLane has also revised its landscaping to include more coniferous and deciduous planting in the side yard bordering the Trillium and Livingstone complexes.

The density of the development was also a concern for many residents, who felt the number of units didn’t fit in with the rest of the townhouses and condos.

Showing a comparison of unit sizes of neighbouring complexes, Geraghty said it is only slightly larger than the average of 16 units per acre. It is at 17.1 units per acre.

The connection of 50 Avenue to 49 Avenue via 220 Street will take place, opening up 50 Avenue, which is currently a dead end.

Planning staff said connecting that road is vital for Murrayville’s traffic plans and for the success of the 216 Street roundabout.

Richter was the only one opposed to third reading. Her request to send ParkLane’s revision back for public input found no support from council.