A six-storey condo project proposed for the site of the old Chisholm Television factory in Port Moody will go to a public hearing on July 10.
But several Port Moody councillors expressed reservations as they gave the project first and second reading at last Tuesday’s council meeting.
Coun. Zoe Royer said the project, which will be comprised of 358 residential units and more than 18,000 sq. ft. of commercial space in two buildings between Murray Street and the CP and SkyTrain rail tracks is a recipe for traffic congestion and potential noise complaints from the nearby train traffic. She also said the developer, The Panatch Group, isn’t doing enough to create a sense of community or employment opportunities.
“I’m just not seeing the kind of community contribution I’d want to see for something as dense and impactful,” Royer said.
Aside from a standard development levy of $2.25 million, the developer has agreed to provide $400,000 for a public art component to the project.
Coun. Hunter Madsen said the builder could do more, considering the project’s prime location across from protected park space and the waterfront. He suggested the builder could “be doing something more dramatic,” like funding the reconstruction of nearby Inlet Field.
Coun. Barbara Junker said she had concerns about a lack of affordable units among the proposed 116 one-bedroom, 207 two-bedroom, 33 three-bedroom and four four-bedroom condos.
Mayor Mike Clay said the project is a step up from the vacant property where it’s to be built, but conceded there’s concerns about congestion and traffic as other projects in the area move forward.
“I want to hear from the community about it,” he said.
• June 28 — An earlier version of the story misspelled Chisholm
