New Westminster city council wants more analysis about the impacts of a plaza that's proposed in front of Westminster Centre.
The Uptown Property Group, which owns the mall at 555 Sixth St., has applied for a development permit to reconstruct the plaza in front of the mall. Its plan would include the elimination of three on-street parking spaces on Sixth Street.
Council has asked staff to request a report from the police department about the activity that's been generated in this area during the past two years. Council also wants staff to examine the realignment of parking meters and loading bays, safety considerations at the crosswalk and the installation of outdoor seating areas and public art with the property owners.
Coun. Betty McIntosh said some councillors were concerned about the loss of three parking spaces on Sixth Street, but she believes they could be replaced nearby.
"I have been talking to engineering for years - the corner of Sixth and Sixth has too much space for bus stops," she said. "That has been bothering me for years."
While she believes the spaces could be reallocated elsewhere nearby, McIntosh said pedestrian safety is paramount. The Sixth Street crossing at Belmont Street includes a sidewalk bulge, with a coffee shop located on either side of the street.
"We wanted to make it pedestrian friendly years ago," McIntosh said about the traffic calming initiative. "Now people will walk out anywhere. I think it needs a very thorough look."
Coun. Bill Harper said part of the property owner's motivation for remodelling the site was to address concerns about certain people who loiter outside the mall. If the Uptown Property Group wants to create a plaza, he believes it should include seating and public art.
"Some (council members) were concerned about giving up the parking spaces. To me it is more about the plaza and the public benefits it gives the city," he said. "Having public squares is an important component for the city. As far as I am concerned, the more the merrier."
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy said he appreciates the spirit of what the Uptown Property Group is trying to achieve but thinks some details need to be fine-tuned. He noted that some people have voiced concerns about issues such as people smoking at the front entrance to the mall.
While he's open to considering plans for a plaza in front of Westminster Centre, McEvoy isn't keen about giving up parking spaces.
A staff report to council states that the proposed renovation would be consistent with several objectives in the city's official community plan, including an expanded public realm that would be useful for events such as Uptown Live and improvement of crime prevention through environmental design elements.
The report stated the city's authority to issue the development permit has been delegated to the city's director of development services. The development services department is working with engineering and other departments on processing this application.
Lisa Spitale, the city's director of development services, said all development permits are considered by city council before a decision is made. The city's design panel will also be considered as part of the review process
"All the applications go to council," she said. "That is our routine here. Everything still goes to the design panel."
Spitale said staff will consider some of the concerns raised by council, including the loss of three on-street parking spots and the possibility of gaining on-street parking spaces in the area. While there is a recognition that the city wants the "public realm" to be animated, she said safety needs to be assured.
