A slew of traffic concerns did not deter Coquitlam council from approving a second rezoning application for a 21-storey tower at Blue Mountain Road and the Lougheed Highway.
Although it previously received tentative approval to rezone the property, DA Architects and Planners amended its application so it could increase each floor's height to nine feet to handle modern heating and air conditioning units.
But at a public hearing Monday, a couple of area residents took the opportunity to express concern about the effect the high rise will have on an already congested confluence of thoroughfares just west of the Brunette interchange.
Edward Lau, a nearby resident, cyclist, transit user and engineer in training, said there's already a four- to five-minute delay for traffic just to get from Blue Mountain to Brunette. He called for a traffic impact study and improvements to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians, especially for those walking to the nearby Braid Street SkyTrain station.
"This interchange is typically a very high crash location," admitted Mark Zaborniak of the city engineering department. "I don't believe it's high in terms of pedestrian crashes or cycling crashes. It is in terms of vehicle crashes. It's true that it's not a friendly cycling environment at this time."
"As a cyclist, I would agree with that," said Mayor Richard Stewart.
The building's proposed vehicle entrance off of Roderick Avenue did have some councillors concerned about how difficult it would be for residents to access Roderick.
Al Boire, who is on the board of directors of the Maillardville Residents Association, pointed out there is still no clear plan for a new Brunette interchange and there are already major backups on Lougheed and Blue Mountain.
But traffic wasn't all that was on his mind. Boire noted many of the condos will be less than 600 sq. ft. The proposal calls for 150 units with 21 being studios and 58 one bedrooms. He called the high proportion of smaller units both surprising and alarming, and it doesn't fit in with the Malliardville community.
"We are concerned the door is going to open to a transient population and property speculation," said Boire.
Other areas might support such development, he told council, "but, and you might be tired of hearing this, Maillardville is a unique precinct."
He pointed out Maillardville is geographically distinct because it's on a small strip surrounded by single family dwellings.
"The proposal is a gateway to our neighbourhood. The density doesn't work for that area," said Boire.
At its regular meeting later Monday night, council unanimously approved second and third reading of the rezoning application without discussion.
NOTE: This article has been changed to correct the quote attributed to Mark Zaborniak of the City of Coquitlam.
