A proposal for a three-storey storage unit at Sumas Way and Third Avenue was a cause for concern from a neighbouring resident at a public hearing on Monday.
Brian Frankish, who lives nearby, said there’s a congestion problem at the Sumas border crossing and traffic is often backed up to Fourth Avenue. He said he has concerns about access to the site for people who want to get to the storage lockers and adding to the border traffic.
Frankish added that there are no other three-storey buildings in the area, and in talking with neighbours, he said a two-storey building would be more in keeping with the neighbourhood.
Darren Braun said the proposal needs provincial approval due to the plans for road widening near the border. Jim Gordon, the city’s director of engineering, said the ministry of transport currently sees the project as a benefit.
In an open letter to mayor and council, Jim and Pat Hanna, who also live nearby, shared concerns about the project adding to traffic congestion near the border when the government is spending millions on a project to relieve traffic in the area.
Council deferred a decision on the project to a later meeting.
The $25-million project to upgrade Highway 11, improve border traffic and build an overpass across Vye Road was supposed to be completed in 2016. The project has been delayed due to ongoing negotations with the province and rail companies.