Yet another apartment building is planned for Burquitlam, signaling that developers are ready to densify the neighbourhood before the Evergreen Line goes up Clarke Road.
On Monday, the city's land use committee recommended first reading be granted to a rezoning application for a 70-unit complex at 604-610 Como Lake Ave., at Emerson Avenue. If approved, the new building would be less than a block from Burquitlam Plaza, which is also being redeveloped, and a five-minute walk from the planned Burquitlam SkyTrain station.
A representative for Mosaic Homes told the committee the Como Lake Avenue apartment would have 76 parking spots - eight fewer than what the Burquitlam Neighbourhood Plan calls for - as many of the suites would be one-bedroom.
Coun. Doug Macdonell criticized Mosaic for the cookie-cutter architectural style that's seen in the Tri-Cities. "I would like something that's a little different," he said.
But Coun. Selina Robinson said the apartment concept is new as Mosaic tends to build three-storey row homes. She also recommended Mosaic have some units that are universally accessible as many disabled people live close to public transit.
'INSENSITIVE'
A development concept for a Coquitlam commercial lot that has sat empty for years is being deemed "insensitive" and councillors want the applicant to have new drawings ready when the rezoning bid goes to public hearing this month.
Last week, council gave first reading to the application but raised concerns about the "artistic design concept drawing" for 1649 Como Lake Ave.
At the Feb. 14 land use committee, planning GM Jim McIntyre suggested the applicant, Iconstrux Architecture Ltd., come up with a "more sensitive" plan as the two-storey building didn't reflect the scale and massing allowed under the C-1 local commercial zone.
The proposal "is just too large for this little site," Coun. Mae Reid said, adding, "I hope it will be sensitive in-fill [housing]."
