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Two community members spoke against the project, objecting to shadows cast by the towers and possible parking problems on neighbouring streets. In-House will be allowed to build less than the usual amount of parking required, 0.8 stalls instead of one per one-bedroom unit, and one stall instead of two per two-bedroom unit. Ninety-nine per cent of the parking will be underground.

“Doubling the units but reducing parking will mean parking chaos for the local area,” neighbouring resident Peter Wilson said.

“The list of possible uses for the development reads like a Monty Python script, encompassing just about everything including a cheese shop,” he said. “What happens if nobody wants to live in an overcrowded area, with inadequate access and parking, with an LRT light years away?”

Council was also told the buildings will add five per cent more traffic to the busy Stony Plain Road and 142 Street intersection during the afternoon rush. It approved the rezoning with a unanimous vote.

Coun. Ben Henderson said the proposal is designed around the LRT stop, where the old plan treated it like an afterthought. It also opens up the site, creating less of a wall along Stony Plain Road.

Coun. Scott McKeen said parking problems can be looked at as they arise, possibly with two-hour parking restrictions for non-residents. “LRT or not, this is one of the best served transit corridors in the city.”

In-House intends to start marketing pre-sales in April. It has refunded money to those who bought units in the previous failed project.

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