A development of rental housing, townhouses, and shops in Albion is entering its final stages of approval.

Five lots have been consolidated at the corner of 240th Street and 102nd Avenue to accommodate the development.

The final reading for this project is expected to come to Maple Ridge council meeting next Tuesday, if it was forwarded from Monday's committee meeting after The TIMES presstime.

Third reading was given to the project in December 2009, and extensions were granted in both 2010 and 2011.

There will be 11 retail units ranging from 660 square feet to 1,360 square feet at ground level facing both streets.

Sixteen rental units will be above the retail shops, either one-or two-bedroom units.

The proposed development includes upgrades to the area, for example, sidewalks, a curb and gutter, street trees, and improved street lighting.

The corner retail site has been planned so that it could accommodate a cafe with an outdoor seating area.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com