Neighbours fearing a planned 33-storey tower will cause traffic, pollution and privacy problems were told by Coquitlam city council this week the new highrise will be an "asset" to the community.
Several residents from the Woodland Place development in Port Coquitlam spoke at Monday's public hearing to complain about the residential and commercial proposal, to be built by Onni on former city land at the corner of Westwood Street and Lincoln Avenue.
Woodland spokesperson Kathy Yao told council the 235-unit tower will have a negative impact on bordering properties and she presented a petition from area homeowners, who Yao said are also concerned about the extra people and cars.
But Beau Jarvis, Onni's vice-president of development, said the company has listened to the neighbours' concerns and has made changes since the plans were first drafted, including adding an extra underground parkade level and moving the tower block closer to Westwood Street.
And responding to a question about the squeeze on nearby schools, planning GM Jim McIntyre said city staff met with School District 43 officials last week and they are aware of the big changes happening in the City Centre - much of it centred around the upcoming Evergreen Line.
"There's always that tension between liveability and affordability, and the answer is high density," Coun. Selina Robinson said, adding Onni's commercial space will allows people to work in the city rather than commute.
"I believe we need housing, we need density," Coun. Neal Nicholson said. "That's what moves us forward as a city that people want to live in."
Added Coun. Craig Hodge, "When it's built, it will be an asset to this part of the community."
Still, Coun. Mae Reid said she's not happy Onni will have 57 fewer parking spots than what the current city policy calls for. She suggested the company offer reduced rates to homeowners buying one-bedroom suites who don't have a car, a concept happening in downtown Vancouver.
As for the future traffic woes, Coun. Brent Asmundson said it's up to PoCo to widen Westwood Street.
City council unanimously approved to rezone the one-acre property, which the city sold to Onni last November for $7 million; fourth and final readings of the proposal are expected at a later meeting.
