A proposed six-storey mixed-use development spanning two lots at the corner of St. Johns and Queens streets that includes a new Bosa Foods specialty grocery store will be “a great fit for the area,” says Port Moody's mayor.
But council would like to see a few more tweaks before it’s realized.
On Tuesday, July 23, it gave first and second readings to amendments to zoning and official community plan bylaws required for the project, by Benedet Properties Ltd. and Cornerstone Architecture to move forward.
The 9,525 sq. ft. grocery store would occupy the first two floors, topped by 48 market rental apartments, including eight studios, 21 one-bedrooms, 12 with two bedrooms and seven three-bedroom units.
A 1,200 sq. ft. outdoor patio would front the grocery store along the new multi-use path on St. Johns, and the building’s roof would include a garden and greenhouse as an amenity for residents.
Proposal for Bosa Foods store would fill a need in Port Moody, but is it too big? https://t.co/Hzr4L3Vnqp
— Tri-City News (@TriCityNews) February 24, 2023
Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti said she especially likes the developer’s plan to install pedestrian-activated traffic signals at the corner of St. Johns and Queens.
“People are constantly crossing that road,” she said, adding that will only increase as more residents move into the area.
Coun. Samantha Agtarap agreed.
“Adding the crosswalk at St. Johns is a major positive,” she said.
But an amendment introduced by Lahti and supported by her colleagues will require the proponent work with city staff to boost the number of adaptable units from its current 24, especially among the two bedroom apartments.
Councillors also expressed concern about the access point to the parking garage for residents.
While underground spaces for the grocery store will be accessed off Queens Street, Coun. Callan Morrison worried about safety aspects of the residential parkade at the back of the structure, off St. Andrews Street which is only one lane wide. Though the road will be upgraded to a standard width immediately behind the project, Morrison said he’d like to see that extended further west.
“Currently, cars can’t get past each other,” he said. “I think that’s a missed opportunity if we don’t widen that.”
But Jeff Moi, the city’s general manager of engineering and operations, said widening the road west would impact two adjacent properties. As well, several trees would have to be removed.
Instead, council agreed staff work with the applicant on more general safety improvements for traffic and pedestrians along the narrow street.
Port Moody residents will get an opportunity to comment on the proposal at an upcoming public hearing prior to its return to council for third reading of the bylaw amendments.
Where's the fruit and veg? Port Moody council asks about new project that includes Bosa Foods https://t.co/JP5kmInukz
— Tri-City News (@TriCityNews) November 23, 2023
