New Westminster city council has officially rescinded readings of bylaws that were part of a controversial proposal in Sapperton.
The Elizabeth Fry Society had applied to city hall to redevelop 273 and 275 Sherbrooke St. to allow it to construct a building that would allow it to provide space for the society's offices, licensed child care centre and 10 units of non-market (social) housing to provide long-term, independent housing for women. The application required an amendment to the official community plan and a rezoning.
On July 11, city council rescinded first and second readings of the official community plan bylaw that had previously been supported.
Many area residents signed petitions and letters and appeared before city council to voice concerns about the plan.
The Elizabeth Fry Society subsequently asked city hall to table its application until more information is known about Fraser Health Authority's plans for an expansion to Royal Columbian Hospital, which is located across the street.
A recent staff report to council stated that the Elizabeth Fry Society has expressed a willingness to work with neighbours and consider changes to its plans. Because consultation with the neighbourhood won't get underway until September, an application wouldn't likely come back to council until sometime early in 2012.
