A new housing development in the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood more than doubles the city’s family-friendly housing policy requirements.
Porte Homes’ Capitol development will include 75 units in a six-storey building facing Auckland Street and 13 townhouse units along the base of the building facing Quebec Street. The apartment includes nine one-bedroom suites, 18 one-bedroom plus den suites, 32 two-bedroom/two bedroom and den suites and 16 three-bedroom suites.
“This amounts to almost 70 per cent two-and three-bedroom suites, which is more than double the number required by City of New Westminster policy,” said an overview of the project. “These larger suites are suitable for both families and people who want to downsize. Our goal is to provide housing options for everyone, whether it be a young family or seniors wishing to age in place.”
Following a public hearing on April 24, city council supported rezoning the site from light industrial mixed-use to comprehensive development (1002 Auckland St.) in order to allow the 88-unit development to proceed.
“I have concerns about street parking,” said a resident who lives in one of three single-family homes located across the street from the site. “Our house does not have any driveway, so we have to park on the street. Already with the construction that has started it’s very difficult for us to find parking.”
Jim Lowrie, the city’s director of engineering services, said staff is willing to discuss parking with the resident. Lowrie also confirmed there would be a sidewalk along the Quebec Street frontage of the project, even though some reports to council indicated no sidewalk would be provided.
