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Evergreen equals OK for a Port Moody development

A housing development proposal for Port Moody's Chineside neighbourhood may finally be getting close to reality more than five years after the property owners made their first application to city hall.

A housing development proposal for Port Moody's Chineside neighbourhood may finally be getting close to reality more than five years after the property owners made their first application to city hall.

On Tuesday, PoMo council supported the latest proposal for an 11-storey terraced building at the corner of Buller and Henry streets largely because construction has started on the long-awaited Evergreen Line. For the past several years, council has rejected development proposals because of its zero to minimum residential growth policy.

Coun. Diana Dilworth said when the application was rejected before, it was due to uncertainty about the Murray-Clarke Connector and the Evergreen Line.

"Since then, there has been greater certainty about the Evergreen Line," she said. "I'm seeing buildings being torn down and tracks being moved.

"I'm very supportive of this and the property owner has made a great attempt to turn this into a community."

The proposal calls for a 149-unit multi-family building, as well as 1.2 acres of park land, in a U-shaped building offering eight ground-floor townhouses and a variety of layouts from one to three bedrooms plus den.

Official community plan amendments are needed for height restrictions and to build in the restricted development permit areas (hazardous lands and environmentally sensitive area).

The OCP allows for a maximum of three storeys in that area but staff supported the application because of the terraced building form and its location, noting the building will appear to be three storeys from Henry Street and no more than six storeys when viewed from any other side.

As well, the report notes the building footprint is outside the most environmentally sensitive areas.

Zoning bylaw amendments (from acreage reserve to comprehensive development) are needed for parking allowances. The new zoning would require 254 parking spaces; the proponent is offering 236 spaces, although a traffic study indicates a need for just 217.

Staff suggested the parking reduction could be supported because of the development's proximity to transit on St. Johns Street as well as a future Evergreen Line station, nearby amenities within walking distance and the applicant's offer of 187 bicycle parking areas and two co-op cars.

The project received a 95.5% sustainability rating from city staff, who noted features such as bike lockers, a car-share program, roof-top community garden and composting facility and its storm-water management plans.

Coun. Rick Glumac suggested a motion that would require the proponent to follow through on its promise to build to a LEED silver or equivalent standard. But some council members were reluctant to support the motion, saying it was unfair to target one particular developer when it's not a city policy.

"Until such time that we ask all developers [to build to LEED standards] and until such time the city itself is accountable, it's really hard to ask someone to do that," said Dilworth.

"If we want a policy that all development should be done that way, I would consider it but I won't on an individual basis," added Coun. Gerry Nuttall.

Mayor Mike Clay supported the motion, saying, "If people are going to say it, they should be willing to back it up."

The motion passed, as did first two readings of the OCP and zoning bylaw amendments.

A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for May 22 at Glenayre community centre (492 Glencoe Dr.).