One of the first bids under Coquitlam's new housing choices program was shot down this week after area residents voiced their concern about the potential lack of parking.
After a public hearing on Monday, council approved a triplex and quadruplex for 792/794 and 796/798 Clarke Rd. under the new RT3 zoning; but it turned down a split quadruplex for 707 Clarke Rd. when neighbours cited parking constraints.
Residents said Harrison Avenue is already jammed with on-street parking and four more homes at the end of the cul de sac, which fronts Clarke, would exacerbate congestion. Their concerns were echoed by Bob Leonard of the Oakdale Neighbourhood Association and Harrison homeowner, and Don Violette of the Burquitlam Community Association.
Council narrowly opposed the zoning bid, with councillors Brent Asmundson, Craig Hodge, Neal Nicholson, Mae Reid and Lou Sekora against it.
"This site is far too constrained," Reid said.
But Coun. Selina Robinson said the city is looking at creative housing designs for larger pieces of land and, in this case, the site is close to the future Burquitlam Station for the Evergreen Line.
The RT1 two-family residential and RT3 triplex and quadruplex zones were formally approved Monday.
