Ballenas Project Management has received the city's approval to build a 21-storey building on Columbia Street despite concerns from many nearby residents.
The developer applied to the city for a rezoning and a special development permit so it could build a mixed-use commercial and multiple family residential building at 125 Columbia St. The building would have 101 apartment units, eight townhouse units and 740 square feet of commercial space.
A staff report noted that the application doesn't completely conform with the official community plan because it provides some residential at grade instead of commercial, but it does conform to the downtown community plan that was adopted in 2010.
In a 4-to-3 vote, council gave third reading to the rezoning application after a recent public hearing. Councillors Jonathan Cote, Bill Harper and Lorrie Williams and Mayor Wayne Wright voted in favour,
while councillors Jaimie McEvoy, Betty McIntosh and Bob Osterman were opposed.
The majority of residents attending the public hearing spoke against the project.
They voiced concerns about traffic and safety on Elliot and Clarkson streets, access to the building, parking problems, loss of views for neighbouring buildings and potential damage to a neighbouring building during the construction process.
Some expressed concern that the 21-storey building doesn't fit into the neighbourhood and will clash with other buildings in the area.
Wright said the project was supported by the New Westminster Downtown Residents' Association but opposed by immediate neighbours.
"The people who came, I understand their angst," he said. "It is in front of their building. Their building is in front of some other buildings."
Wright said the site has been vacant for a long time and that doesn't provide a good image of the city for people coming into the downtown from that side of town.
"I don't like to see our votes going four to three," he said. "On the other hand, my job is to take care of the entire city."
Prior to the public hearing, council received more than 25 letters from individuals opposed to the rezoning.
A staff report noted that the project had encountered "significant opposition" from the residents of the tower next door, but had been supported by New Westminster Downtown Residents' Association.
"My main problem is the parking ratio," McIntosh said. "The neighbourhood came out and said there are going to be problems. . People will be parking up in the neighbourhood."
Although a few people supported the project, McIntosh said the majority of people attending the public hearing were opposed.
Osterman said he voted against the project because of concerns that it would be a "concrete wall" at the entrance to that end of Columbia Street.
"Personally, I would have preferred lowrise townhouses," he said. "The parking was very, very minimal."
The proposal would require the redesign of the Elliot Street walkway to allow vehicle access to the site off of Elliot Street.
"The proposal also includes a small restaurant patio within the Elliot Street right-of-way along Columbia Street and the construction of a walkway from Clarkson Street to Columbia Street through Albert Crescent Park," said a staff report.
"Staff are exploring the beautification of Elliot Street, as well as possible changes in pedestrian access on Elliot Street and in the portion of Albert Crescent Park adjacent this site."
tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com
