Concerned Miramar Village residents packed White Rock council chambers Monday to have their say about proposed changes to the uptown project’s final two towers.
Most who spoke during the public hearing were not happy with the plans, and accused developer Bosa Properties of disrespectful handling of the amendments – which include an increase to the number of residential units, an increase in residential parking spaces and a 35-foot decrease in space between two of the towers.
“I really, really strongly oppose being lied to,” said Craig Swindells, who bought a unit last November.
Swindells said Bosa officials at the time had showed him the original plans for the project’s final phases, “knowing full well they’d already submitted to you revised plans.”
While Bosa representatives acknowledged “we could have done a better job” of communicating the proposed amendments with residents, they say the changes will have positive overall results.
As well, they were necessary in the face of today’s “radically different” market compared to what existed in 2006 when the four towers were proposed, said Daryl Simpson, Bosa’s vice-president of sales and marketing.
“We’re not proposing amendments because we wish to cause hardship,” Simpson said during an impromptu presentation to council during the public hearing.
One speaker said his family purchased “about 12” suites, investing between $6 million and $7 million in the existing Johnston Road tower.
“Our investment will be down the drain if they do not fulfill their promises,” John Badr told council.
Another resident, Doug Findlay, said he and wife Edith invested their life savings, and asked council to protect them.
Bosa officials had requested the zoning amendments last year, three years after the final phase of the project was approved in 2007.
The current owners are not opposed to construction of the final two towers, said Aileen York, speaking on behalf of 47 residents who contend the amendments “were not handled in a fair, respectful and honest way,” and are not what was presented in disclosure statements at time of purchase.
Noting her group learned of the proposed amendments receiving second reading through an April 13 Peace Arch News article, York said such lack of effort to communicate directly with residents “typifies the way we have been treated by Bosa and the city since taking possession.”
York noted the most recent public meeting – held last Saturday – was done so with just five days’ notice, and that attendees were told Bosa would continue with plans despite concerns.
Several residents voiced concern about the impact on views.
Shifting the two remaining towers 35 feet closer to the existing towers is “a major issue,” said Ronald Thiessen, noting his partial southwest view “will be removed entirely.”
Thiessen said he and his wife moved to White Rock from the Prairies, and “did our homework” before buying into Miramar Village. Having an ocean view was a significant factor in their decision to purchase, and Bosa officials assured them their view would remain intact, he said.
“It is clear this application now boils down to profits at the expense of the current stakeholders,” Thiessen said.
Simpson disagreed with statements regarding the degree of impact to residents’ views. He said the view between the final two towers will be increased by the changes, and decreased only “ever-so-slightly” to the west.
“We’ve done what we thought was an equitable exchange with the two,” Simpson said.
“For some, we understand they perceive it to be significant, but we respectfully disagree.”
One tower resident spoke in favour of the amendments.
George Pierzchajlo said the changes will be good for merchants and the community, and will make the units more affordable to empty-nesters and snowbirds. Pierzchajlo said anyone who bought into a unit below the fifth floor would have been aware they wouldn’t have much, if any, view.
“I don’t understand why people act surprised or opposed to it now,” he said. “It is simply a win-win situation.”
Simpson emphasized the amendments do not impact the project’s height and total floor area. The resized units will cost about $100,000 less, he added.
Noting Bosa may never be able to satisfy everyone, Simpson said the company is prepared to invest in an on-site manager and is willing to revisit cost-sharing agreements.
He said the company is committed to meeting with the first two buildings’ strata councils to further discuss their concerns.
Former councillor Margaret Woods – a longtime opponent of the project – said allowing the changes would “compound the damage that has already been done to the City of White Rock.”