A drive thru restaurant remains part of a proposal to build a mixed-use residential project on St. Johns Street in Port Moody despite previous beefs by councillors.
Further, the proponent has enlarged the plan from six storeys to eight.
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, council will consider first reading of amendments to the city’s official community plan and zoning bylaws required for the project to proceed, including whether the drive-thru component can remain as a non-conforming use.
Roger Milad, the owner of the A&W restaurant at 2526 St. Johns St., is behind the proposal to redevelop his property as well as the old Rocky Point Tap House next door. According to a report to be presented to council, he said the drive-thru will be phased out in eight years, with the space converted to additional commercial units.
But, said the report by senior development planner Doug Allan, that doesn’t overcome concerns expressed by staff and councillors over the impact the drive-thru’s entry and exit points, along with a parkade entrance for residents, would have on local traffic flow and pedestrian safety. As well, the driveway crossings would limit the opportunity for the city to plant additional street trees.
During an early look at the project in September 2023, councillors lauded Milad’s proposal as “innovative” and “interesting,” but wrestled with its inclusion of the drive-thru, especially as the city strives to achieve its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging less use of cars.
“This may have to be one of the big moves the developer will have to make,” said Coun. Diana Dilworth.
“I’m not sure how we would fix the ingress/egress problem,” added Coun. Amy Lubik.
While Port Moody no longer allows new drive thru’s in the city, existing ones like the current A&W restaurant on the property could be grandfathered in — although it would require council’s approval.
Milad said the drive-thru provides an important service.
“Some people can’t get out to eat in a restaurant,” he told the Tri-City News, adding his plan includes a sophisticated HVAC system to absorb smells that might disturb residents living in the residential units above.
The additional two storeys, as well as the elimination of office spaces on the second floor that were part of the initial proposal, will also increase the project’s residential units from the original 60 to 82.
Of those, 62 would be strata apartments, 12 would be available as rentals at below-market rates for 20 years and eight would be part of a rent-to-own program.
The overall unit mix includes:
- 35 one-bedroom
- 19 one-bedroom plus den
- 14 two-bedroom
- 4 two-bedroom plus den
- 10 three-bedroom
Half of the total units would be adaptable.
The building’s ground floor would comprise almost 6,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, including the drive thru restaurant.
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