A handful of residents opposed to having duplexes in their neighbourhood made their views known during a public hearing at White Rock city hall last week.
The meeting was scheduled in connection with an application to construct a duplex at 13742 North Bluff Rd.
In voicing opposition, Richard Andres, who lives four houses down from the property, cited a previous application for a duplex in the neighbourhood that was denied.
“We went through this eight years ago. We managed to put it down because these are all single-family homes. And the house, being as tall as it’s going to be – I believe it’s going to be 28 feet – with a flat roof is just ludicrous to me,” he said. “It does not fit into the neighbourhood at all.
“It’s a duplex now, but with three floors of living area, how long until it becomes a fourplex?”
For North Bluff Road resident Jim Whyte, the main concern revolved around the location of the driveway, which he said may result in the relocation of a bus stop.
“We don’t feel that’s fair for ourselves or for any other property owner that has been there for many, many years,” he said.
The most common complaint amongst those who spoke out was that the duplex would not fit into their neighbourhood, which is predominantly comprised of single-family homes.
“Duplexes are for Surrey. White Rock is for single-family dwellings,” Andres said.
In total, four neighbours spoke against the proposal at the hearing; the city received one written submission opposing the project.
It’s due back for a final decision on Oct. 29.
