By Christopher Roden
Some 70 people attended an open meeting at the Ashcroft Community Hall on April 27 to hear a presentation by representatives of Riverhill Estates, a group hoping to develop land for housing in Ashcroft. The group’s principals — Jesse Chan, Joseph Tang, and Elena Wang — welcomed guests before outlining the vision for the project.
A subdivision request, covering a parcel of land formerly occupied by the Rodeo grounds behind the Battel subdivision and adjacent to Government Street in North Ashcroft, has been submitted to the Village of Ashcroft. Once it is approved, a Master Site Plan will be created.
Initial plans are for the construction of 50 single detached lots, with further development of multi-family properties (possibly townhouses and condos) as occupancy levels rise. In addition to developing lots, Riverhill is also considering building housing on some of the lots.
Tang told the meeting that his group hopes to stimulate the growth of the Village, adding that since it is a small development group, Riverhill will have the flexibility to adapt to the community’s wants and needs. It is Riverhill’s hope that this new development will attract professionals and business owners to the area, and ease existing problems such as doctor recruitment.
Assisted living accommodation was also addressed, with Chan saying that this will receive due consideration, depending on demand and the needs of the community. There are no immediate plans for modular housing, although single-level housing is under consideration.
The timeline for progressing with the development now depends on approval for the subdivision from the Village, after which road planning and provision of services to the site can begin.
Of interest to members of the public was the question of small green spaces within the development, and Chan said that this would be considered, although the proximity of parkland nearby was noted.
It is Riverhill’s intention to use a local workforce as much as possible.
David Porter from Desert Hills Ranch (on behalf of the Porter family, who previously owned the property in question and who were instrumental is attracting Riverhill to the Ashcroft area) addressed the meeting, and said that they were pleased to be associated with the group, and were lending their full support to the project.
A lively question period ended the meeting.
For more information about the project as it progresses, and to provide feedback, visit the Riverhill Estates website at http://www.riverhillestates.ca/.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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