White Rock residents who would be affected by a proposed 14-unit townhouse complex turned up to voice their dissatisfaction with the idea at a public meeting in White Rock Monday.

The development, proposed for 1330, 1338 and 1346 Foster St., had a few supporters turn up to make their case to council, but even more opponents turned up to denounce the project.

"It was intense, there were lot of passionate people speaking last night," said Coun. Helen Fathers the day after the hearing.

According to Fathers, much of the concern stems from the potential overcrowding of the area, particularly a lane located right behind the development.

"A lot of people would be backing in and using that lane as the main entrance, so there were lots of traffic concerns, as well as (the project) just not fitting in to the rest of the neighbourhood," said Fathers.

White Rock Coun. Grant Meyer said most of those speaking against the project lived in a condo complex located behind the would-be development, and would directly be affected by it.

"Most concerns were about traffic and parking and the impact on Foster lane," said Meyer.

And with parking already in demand in the area, Fathers wondered if the development would have benefited from including underground parking in its plans.

"There are a lot of people that park on the street, but the majority of that parking would be gone if this went forward and there isn't underground parking with this development," said Fathers. "It costs a lot more to dig into the ground, but if (the developer) could put it underground that would be a lot better."

Council will make its final decision on the development at a future council meeting.

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