The old Appleyard house is continuing its transformation from a family home to a pizza restaurant and, soon, to an arts facility.
At Tuesday's meeting, Port Moody council approved first two readings of the official community plan and zoning bylaw amendments on the property at 126 Kyle St., where the house was recently moved from its old Clarke Street location.
Also included is a slight change to the city's definition of "civic use" in the zoning bylaw, allowing for some commercial activity (gift shops and cafes) in addition to arts, heritage and cultural uses.
A public hearing on the matter will be on Sept. 11 at city hall.
In other Port Moody news:
ROAD AHEAD
Port Moody council narrowly approved a development variance permit for a new OpenRoad Mazda dealership on St. Johns Street.
The three-storey building falls within the development permit area guidelines, including providing an attractive streetscape for pedestrians, creating visual interest and partially concealing parking from view through the use of landscaping.
But some council members voted against granting the permit, citing the proponent's low score on the sustainability checklist.
Coun. Rick Glumac was particularly concerned about how the building would affect the view for Klahanie residents while Coun. Rosemary Small expressed concerns about stormwater management.
Architect Paul Chiu noted several improvements have been made since the checklist was filled out and the proponent is working with staff on additional features.
Coun. Diana Dilworth said the applicant was being judged unfairly by the sustainability checklist, which was geared towards large-scale residential developments.
Glumac, Small and Coun. Zoe Royer voted against the permit.
DESIGN PANEL
Coun. Glumac wants to see PoMo's advisory design panel revived.
In a report to council Tuesday, Glumac said such a panel would advise council and staff on everything from design, layout and landscaping to environmental quality and conformity to design objectives.
"With the building of the Evergreen Line, many developers will be looking to build in Port Moody," his report stated. "It is important these new developments not only fit into the character of our community but enhance our community."
Glumac suggested the panel could include architects and landscape architects, engineers and representatives from Port Moody Police and the Urban Development Institute. Additional members could include people with expertise in the arts, environment and accessibility issues.
Council voted to have staff report back on the implications of establishing an advisory design panel and how it would mesh with the existing land use committee.
