Myths

Ross Chapin will be designing adorable houses in this neighborhood

Ross Chapin only drew a concept layout 'guide' of what could potentially be built here. The parcels will be individually sold off to contractor/developers who will build to optimize profits.

This project will produce much needed affordable housing in Langley.

Houses will be developed and sold by individual contractors and might be sold at market rates. There currently is no assurance that they will be affordable. Ross Chapin said, "island costs are what they are." Similar to his other properties, homes would likely have monthly HOA dues upwards of $200. Houses in these types of communities currently sell for $450k - $950k.

Traffic impacts will be minimal. The town can address them as they come.

When fully built out, and the developers have been paid and moved on, this development will add about 50% to the vehicle traffic on Coles Road. The only way out of this development (per plan) is by car. Expect to see the addition of a traffic light on Hwy 525 and at Brooks Hill Road to accommodate. It will also consume a significant number of parking spots in Langley. Taxpayers will foot the bill for road expansions and clearing places for parking.

Langley City Council will be able to consider all of the future cost impacts and have the real estate developers pay these.

These developers have had conflicts with many municipalities they have made agreements with in the past. Governments working with these developers had to endure additional costs to oversee and enforce compliance.

Langley sewage system has plenty of capacity to accommodate massive development

Current sewage system capacity modelling is based on population growth plan. Adding 116 residences would require premature expansion of the facility at taxpayer expense.

This development is only opposed by neighbors of the proposed development location.

Many people, from environmentalist organizations, citizen groups, business owners, and Langley town residents, are concerned about the town of Langley not demanding a complete solution from the developers. The small village feel and the environment are at risk from the unplanned sprawl. Currently the project has no concern for impacts on roads, traffic, environment, infrastructure, integration of this remote community, or recovering costs of enforcing the agreements of the development. Whidbey Environmental Action Network has fought these same developers over this property for years.

The developer, South Whidbey LLC, is comprised of local developers who are invested in the welfare and community of Whidbey Island

South Whidbey LLC was formed in April 2010 by two out-of-town international real estate developers when they transferred the property from Bob Libolt's company. These developers have a long history of conflict and self-interest in the locations where they have developed real estate. Citizen groups and environmental organizations have reported having to spend resources to enforce the agreed-to rules of the developments.

The Langley city council has a time phased plan with documented criteria and expectations that must be met in order to proceed and grant authorization to the developer to annex this property.

Langley council members said at the August 7 Planning meeting, that they do not know how this will develop. They unanimously agreed to have the developers draft the rules.

The land in the Coles Valley Development area is dead, as said by Ross Chapin in a 2019 Langley town meeting

When the developers listed the land for sale in 2018, they included "abundant wildlife" in the selling features.