Ten properties near Coquitlam’s Mountain View Elementary will be consolidated to build 92 townhomes and lock-off suites under a plan that will go out for comment this month.
The bid by Formwerks Boutique Properties Ltd., which received first reading from council last month for rezoning, calls for eight single-family lots and a duple lot to be assembled for the project on Seaton Avenue and Robinson Street.
The plan is for eight three-storey buildings, with 30 of the units having accessory lock-offs and 38 units built to have three bedrooms.
Andrew Merrill, Coquitlam’s director of development services, told council on Sept. 27 that the same developer also plans lock-off suites at its project at 707 Robinson St.
Under the proposal, the stacked townhomes will have an owner who can lock off their ground-floor space, a new concept in the city that’s designed to keep housing affordable.
“This is a very, very interesting and creative project,” Coun. Chris Wilson said, adding he’d like the city to monitor the lock-offs for potential rental as many SFU students live in the Burquitlam area.
Mayor Richard Stewart said lock-offs are popular around B.C., and especially at resorts.
The proposal also calls for part of Seaton to be closed off and added to the development.
Divided into two, the site will have a central pathway that can be used by the public and will connect with a portion of the proposed neighbourhood greenway now being built at 715 Ducklow St. Each half of the site will have four townhouse buildings with courtyards, as well as a common amenity room with a rooftop patio and an outdoor play area.
According to a city staff report, 62 trees or hedges will be taken out for construction; however, 147 new trees (maple, dogwood, magnolia and cherry blossom) will be planted.
As well, the developer is planning to install 115 bike lockers and 122 EV parking stalls.
If approved by council following the public hearing on Oct. 18 at city hall, the municipality stands to gain $1.4 million in development cost charges, $275,000 in community amenity contributions and $2.25 million from the sale of the road right-of-way.
