Companies in Langley, B.C. are bracing for impacts and town is encouraging folks to buy native this Boxing Day because it will get able to revitalize its historic metropolis centre.
Beginning Jan. 2, 2025, work will start on the Fraser Freeway One-Manner Mission. The $18-million, two-phase venture goals to enhance pedestrian walkways, exchange getting old infrastructure, create extra neighborhood areas and revitalize the landscaping.
Part one will start between Salt Lane and 206 Avenue and can restrict parking alongside the street.
Every little thing however Diamonds proprietor David Stingl says whereas companies have recognized concerning the plans for a while, there are lingering considerations about how retailers will fare as soon as work will get underway.
“We’re clearly actually involved that there isn’t lots for the retailers by way of ensuring that town is doing sufficient advertising, that kind of factor, so that individuals know we’re open in the course of the closure,” he mentioned.
“I don’t know that a number of the companies are going to outlive the closure.”
One huge concern is a big fence that may run down the sidewalk, leaving restricted house for pedestrians. Stingl says this can current a accessibility problem for some folks like seniors.
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Stingl additionally says he want to see extra safety to ensure not one of the retailers are negatively impacted.
“The venture is tens of millions and tens of millions of {dollars}, and it simply looks as if they haven’t actually carried out lots for truly mitigating the influence that it’s going to have on the companies,” Stingl mentioned.
Randy’s Recreation Store proprietor Randy Rennes echoes Stingl’s considerations, particularly in terms of dropping the parking in entrance of his store.
“It’s dangerous sufficient right here some days when it’s busy to get parking and entry to shops so it’s laborious to say the way it’s going to be when development truly begins,” he mentioned.
Stingl says town has supplied pamphlets for companies handy out to clients, however he additionally thinks there may have been indicators to warn folks concerning the imminent street and parking closures.
“I’m involved for lots of enterprise house owners down right here,” he mentioned. “I believe that is going to be a major influence and I simply hope the venture goes shortly.”
The Metropolis of Langley didn’t reply to request for remark earlier than publication deadline.
Development is slated to final till the summer time of 2025.
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