Coquitlam okays first reading for 33-storey tower
A controversial plan to build a 33-storey tower in Coquitlam — on Port Coquitlam border — will go to public hearing next month.
At Monday's meeting, city council unanimously granted first reading to rezone 1123 Westwood St., where the Onni Group wants to build a mixed-use highrise facing Lincoln Avenue and consisting of 239 residential units and four townhouses.
As well, Onni is proposing a four-storey commercial building along Westwood on the one-acre property that used to be owned by the city, which sold it for $7 million.
The plans have already generated significant feedback, including from PoCo Mayor Greg Moore, who wrote in a letter to Coquitlam council of the "substantial and negative impact a development of this scale and character would have on our community."
Neighbours on both sides of the city border also have complained about the potential tree loss, higher density and increase in noise and traffic, especially as it filters onto the two-lane Westwood Street.
"We have gotten more response than I think at this early stage than we have seen typically," Coun. Neal Nicholson said.
Mayor Richard Stewart said the property, which will be within walking distance of the new Lincoln Station for the Evergreen Line, "ought to be high-density residential" but added, "Is this the right project? We would like to hear from the public on that one."
The public hearing is scheduled for June 25.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
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