Despite rumors making the rounds in Langley, developer Brian Stowell’s waterfront project is not dead.
It’s simply in a comp plan review-induced slumber, the developer said this week.
Stowell, a Colorado-based developer, spent the summer in Langley researching and trying to drum up support for his controversial waterfront project. He envisions a multi-level, mixed-use building on Wharf Street that’s nestled against the bluff.
He already owns a small parcel of land and has the option to buy the adjacent Drake’s Landing property.
In early fall, Stowell returned to Colorado, where his permanent home and business are located. Rumors began circulating that he had changed his mind and withdrawn his option on the Drake’s Landing property.
“The rumor is unfounded,” Stowell said Wednesday.
He said he was waiting for city officials to complete their update of Langley’s growth plan.
“As I indicated in my last public meeting, I am on the sidelines waiting for the comp plan process to wrap up. Nothing really to report at this time,” he added.
After hearing feedback from the community and concerns about how his plan could clash against the vision that some residents have for the city, Stowell said he wants to wait until the growth planning process is wrapped up before proposing a plan for his project.
The comp plan integration committee submitted drafts four comp plan elements, including the land-use element, to the state for review on Oct. 19. The city council is expected to sign off on the amendments at the end of December.
Stowell has not yet submitted a development application to the city of Langley.
Another developer interested in creating a mixed-use building on the waterfront has also knocked on the door of the city of Langley. Developer Steve Day will make a presentation to the Langley Planning Advisory Board at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the fellowship hall at the Langley United Methodist Church.
The time and location of the board’s regular meeting were changed because a larger-than-usual crowd is expected.
Day, too, has not submitted any applications yet.
