Representatives for a car dealership say they have outgrown their Coquitlam site and want to set up shop on United Boulevard.
On Monday, Blair Chisholm of Brook Pooni Associates told the city's council-in-committee that Kia West needs a bigger space than its current 1.8-acre lot at 688 Lougheed Hwy. and have found the "perfect" property, across from Home Depot.
The land was recently vacated by Surfwood Supplies, which relocated to Surrey.
Problem is, under Coquitlam's new rules for the M8 zone, automobile sales aren't permitted in the Pacific Reach Business Park, which is primarily industrial; however, car sales were allowed in the zone five years ago when the land was purchased.
Chisholm said the company is asking council to make an exception as Kia West - the largest dealership of Kia vehicles in B.C. - needs room to accommodate up to 150 staff in the future.
The property now has a 30,000 sq. ft. building that Chisholm said could be converted into a showroom with reception, service shop, parts and storage space and administrative offices. As well, if approved by council, the site would also be close to Kia's western Canada headquarters on Hartley Avenue.
Coun. Brent Asmundson said council and city staff need to consider the long-term impacts of having a car dealership in an industrial area, especially where traffic is concerned. And Mayor Richard Stewart said a new bicycle path may run through the BC Hydro right-of-way close to the property.
City staff have yet to make a formal recommendation to council on Kia West's bid.
