New Westminster city council wants assurances that businesses are included in conversations about a development proposal in Sapperton.
Wesgroup Properties and Urban Academy are proposing to apply for an official community plan amendment and a rezoning application so they can build a 60,000 square-foot school and 195,000 square feet of residential at 100 Braid St.
Coun. Chuck Puchmayr said he’s been contacted by a business owner who made arrangements to relocate his business from another location in New West to 100 Braid St., only to learn of the redevelopment plans for the site. He said the longtime business owner is “very concerned” that could have significant financial impact on his long-term plans for the business.
Council approved a recommendation from the city’s land-use and planning committee to direct staff to process the OCP amendment and rezoning applications. The process would include consultation with external stakeholders about the official community plan amendment, public consultation about the rezoning application, presentations to the design review panel and the advisory planning commission, followed by consideration of first and second readings of the official community plan amendment and rezoning application and a public hearing.
If approved, Urban Academy would be able to accommodate 450 students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12. Its building would include administrative offices, a gymnasium, multi-purpose performing arts spaces, an art gallery, learning spaces, outdoor play areas and drop-off and pickup areas.
