[UPDATE] New Westminster sets new public hearing date for development

A new public hearing is being scheduled for a mixed-use development on New Westminster’s waterfront.

Council has closed the Sept. 29 public hearing and forwarded the zoning amendment bylaw to a new public hearing, which will be held on Oct. 27. The new date comes after it was discovered the rezoning application information sign had not been posted on the property, something that’s required to be posted at least 14 days before the advisory planning commission meeting and to remain on site until after the public hearing.

Bosa Properties is seeking the city’s approval to build a mixed-use commercial and residential project at 1000 Quayside Dr., a site located on the parking lot to the west of River Market. The project would include a pathway through the site and stairway and elevator access to the McInnis Street overpass.

James Crosty, a member of the Quayside Community Board, told council Sept. 29 that Bosa has been “exceptionally accommodating” and has met with the board several times. He said the developer listened to residents’ concerns about the connection to the overpass, and residents are “very excited” about the planned access from the waterfront to the overpass.

Several residents living on Carnarvon Street expressed concern about the project at the Sept. 29 public hearing. Along with concerns about increased traffic from the development, proximity to railways and loss of views, some residents raised concerns about lack of notification about the public hearing.

“There is no signage,” said one resident, noting signage about the rezoning wasn’t posted at the site.

A city staff member quickly drove to the site and confirmed no signage was displayed at 1000 Quayside Dr. Council tabled the public hearing.

“As part of the notification process, the developer has the responsibility of putting a sign up,” said Bev Grieve, the city’s director of development services. “They are given the guidelines.”