A proposal that would bring another 191 new rental apartrments to Port Moody is coming before council on Tuesday, Feb. 27, more than a year after it got first consideration in December 2022.
Vancouver-based developer Anthem Properties Group is looking to build the six-storey mixed-use project at the corner of St. Johns Street and James Road.
The plan includes almost 6,000 sq. ft. of commercial space on the ground floor of the U-shaped building.
The apartments would range from 350 sq. ft. studios to 925 sq. ft. three-bedroom units. More than half the homes would be adaptable.
If the project is approved the developer has committed to enter into a housing agreement with the city to retain the rental apartments for a least 60 years or the life of the building, whichever is less.
In a report, senior development planner Doug Allan said Port Moody will work with Anthem to encourage the building’s commercial spaces are occupied by “businesses that serve the daily shopping needs of residents as well as specialty retail businesses.”
For the project to proceed, though, the developer will need to secure zoning amendments.
Allen said while it was initially thought because of the proposal's compliance with Port Moody’s official community plan for the neighbourhood, a public hearing would be bypassed under new provincial regulations meant to hasten the approval of new housing projects.
But, he said, new information and further clarification from the provincial government means a public hearing will be convened if council passes first and second reading of the zoning bylaw amendments.
