Langley council asks mayor to study cancelling or redesigning LIP5 for Edgecliff Drive

The City of Langley Council voted unanimously on July 28 to ask Mayor Kennedy Horstman to research two options for the Langley Infrastructure Project (LIP5) affecting Edgecliff Drive: cancel the project, or redesign it to relocate the stormwater system to the south side of the street.

Councilmember Chris Carlson moved the study request after an earlier motion by Councilmember Gail Fleming to abandon LIP5 and repave Edgecliff was voted down. Fleming had introduced the original motion, saying, “Motion to abandon LIP5 and repave the affected part of Edgecliff Drive; if the project must go forward, the stormwater system should be moved to the south side of the street. The mayor is requested to research these options and inform the council of the implications, along with the reasoning for any decisions made, at the next council meeting.” That original motion failed; Carlson’s rephrased motion—asking the mayor to research and report back on both cancellation and redesign options—passed unanimously.

Council discussion included concerns about the potential financial impacts of cancelling or redesigning the project and a procedural point of order by Councilmember Craig Cyr that Fleming’s original motion bundled multiple actions. The council also approved a separate motion 4–1 to allow councilmembers to ask professionals in the audience questions during the meeting; following that approval Councilmember Rhonda Salerno asked arborist Jesse Brighten for his professional view on tree impacts if the stormwater system were moved.

The mayor is expected to present findings about cost, tree impacts and other implications at the council’s next regular meeting.