A piece of land on Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain that was at one point designated as a potential school site could end up holding a townhouse development and a 4.4-acre park.
Developer Wesbild Holdings is seeking an official community plan amendment that would allow for 90 to 100 new units off of Highland Drive. The townhouses would be located on the southern portion of the site near Princeton Avenue while the park would be located on the north side along Collins Road.
“It really fits into this larger neighbourhood having townhouses and, of course, affordability is an issue these days,” said Raymond Nothstein, Wesbild’s vice-president of development and planning. “If we can get more supply in, we can get more affordability.”
If the proposal is approved, Wesbild will donate 1.4 acres of land for the park and assist the city with the costs of developing the green space, which would include a new sports field.
Nothstein addressed potential concerns around parking, saying 75 new spaces will be added for the park and the roads in the area are able to accommodate increased traffic. He added that traffic associated with the park would be less than what would have existed had a school been located there.
“Most of the people bought in this neighbourhood anticipating an elementary school,” he said. “An elementary school is your biggest peak a.m. traffic generator.”
But a staff report to council acknowledges there are “significant concerns” from neighbouring residents over the proposed townhouse development.
Staff said some people in the area have issues with the housing choice and the amount of density on the property. There are also concerns about traffic and parking, and a lack of public amenities on Burke Mountain.
Residents will get the chance to weigh in on the proposal during a public hearing Sept. 12 in council chambers.
COUNCILLOR GETS SUBDIVISION OK
A Coquitlam city councillor has received the necessary approvals to subdivide the Glenbrook Street property where he lives into five single-family residential lots.
Coun. Craig Hodge, the owner of the land, recused himself from a public hearing and council deliberations Monday night. Staff recommended the proposed development and the councillors who were present voted unanimously in favour of the project.
The zoning amendment will allow for four new homes to be built along Marguerite Street, at the back of the current property, while Hodge’s existing home will constitute the fifth lot, facing Glenbrook.
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