A champion of Jackson Farm is disappointed council is still considering development next to the historic farm in Albion.

At Tuesday's council meeting, Maple Ridge council asked District staff to go back to the proponent of a development proposed next to Lower Jackson Farm to change the number of homes proposed for the lot.

Council was set to make a decision on the lot at 244th Street and 102nd Avenue at the meeting, but decided to defer it until the next council meeting.

The Friends of Jackson Farm, who fought to preserve the farm and who say there are no drainage problems on the property, are opposed to a bioswale being proposed that would provide a buffer between the development and the farm.

Stuart Pledge, who lives in Thornhill and passes the Jackson Farm every day, said he was "disappointed" that council's concern was the density of the proposed development and not the bioswale that is being proposed for the lower part of the farm.

"I see it as pretty insignificant the changes they're proposing," Pledge said, adding that he considered it just a "token gesture."

The proposed bioswale would alter one and a half acres of the Lower Jackson Farm, Pledge pointed out, adding that "why not just leave the park alone?"

He is worried the bioswale will "diminish" the property.

"My focus is to preserve this site because it's something real-ly special," Pledge said.

He added that the farm in its current state doesn't cost the District of Maple Ridge anything.

But Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin said the "lower bowl" of the farm has swampy wetlands and that needs to be dealt with.

There's no intention on council's part to "nibble" away at the farm and develop it, Daykin said.

And, he added, the Lower Jackson Farm is designated as a park in the land title office, and it's very difficult to change that.

An agreement was made allowing the upper part of historic farm to be developed for homes while the lower part would be preserved as a park and turned over to the District of Maple Ridge.

Council is planning to consider what it will be done to the Lower Jackson Farm in the near future.

The decision on the proposed development has been deferred to the July 10 council meeting.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com