Confusion steered discussions Monday night at LangfordB次元官网网址檚 council meeting. With four public hearings on the agenda and another space allotted for public participation on any other items on that eveningB次元官网网址檚 agenda, chambers were bustling with residentsB次元官网网址� questions and concerns.

Most in attendance were there for the last hearing, relating to a package of three properties just off Happy Valley Road put forward by developer Paul King. A number of residents voiced concerns over the potential height of future buildings and safety concerns stemming from an overflow of parked cars.

But after a few people spoke on issues unrelated to the application, it became clear to council there was some confusion over what was being discussed.

One of the properties, at 3348 Vision Way, was being considered for rezoning from mixed-use commercial to allow three-storey, single family dwellings. That lot and others at 3342 Turnstone Dr. and 903 Tayberry Tce. were before council for approval of their amenity contributions.

The way the application was packaged led some residents to believe that all three properties were up for rezoning, forcing Mayor Stew Young to clarify what matters were up for discussion.

After apologizing for any confusion and explaining that only the Vision Way lot was up for rezoning B次元官网网址� the other two already allow residential development B次元官网网址� he was also forced to clarify details of the height restrictions.

The existing zoning allows for two storeys to a maximum of 10 metres or 33 feet. An increase to three storeys was requested. Flipping between different measurements added to confusion.

Staff members also clarified the City is moving towards using storeys as the measurement for height restrictions, not meters or feet, adding to frustrations.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a significant difference between 10 and 12 meters,B次元官网网址� said Langford resident Michael Morgan, who lives in the area.

Michelle Morgan expressed her concerns later in the meeting, arguing that neighbouring houses on Vision Way are ranchers and the addition of three-storey houses on the lot in question would have a negative impact on the visual landscape. It was a view expressed by many.

King tried to ease residentsB次元官网网址� concerns, promising that the proposed units for Vision Way would stand roughly 32 feet in height, or just under 10 metres. B次元官网网址淲e have no reason to go any higher,B次元官网网址� he said, adding that 15 of 25 houses in the area were already three storeys high.

Another major concern brought up by residents was parking, which many said is already a problem in the area.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e actually had to pull up on the sidewalk to let a car pass,B次元官网网址� said Michael Morgan.

The problem of overflowing street parking raised a number of safety concerns for residents and Young promised to have City engineers address the issue.

B次元官网网址淚 know what happens, the garage gets filled,B次元官网网址� Young said, which leads residents to park on the street.

While a number of houses in the area have one-and-a-half parking spots allotted to them, King said his proposal planned for at least two spots. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e going to provide all of the parking we can,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an advantage for us.B次元官网网址�

He agreed to work with City staff to find ways to make the driveways large enough to park two cars, plus have a space in the garage of each unit.

Council ultimately voted to approve the application and amendments to the bylaw.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com