White Rock council has given all but final approval to a 14-storey residential building proposed by Marcon for the corner of Thrift Avenue and George Street, following a smooth ride for the project through the public hearing process.
The 88-unit building would be adjacent to the existing Saltaire development on a site formerly occupied by Coast Capital Savings and other businesses.
Residents and business people who spoke at the public hearing May 29 gave endorsement after endorsement – some, including Marcon vice-president Bud Eaton, referencing the company’s record of quality building in the city, including the Belair development at North Bluff and Oxford.
Among those speaking in favour of the project were two former White Rock mayors – Judy Forster and Hardy Staub – plus White Rock BIA president Ernie Klassen and South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce executive director Cliff Annable.
Concerns voiced by resident Ken Jones, including an elevator access to the rooftop adding extra height, and a need for stepping back the upper building profile appear to have been addressed in revised plans for the building.
Resident Roderick Louis spoke several times, urging the city to co-ordinate uptown planning efforts with Surrey and also provide more signage of points of interest to visitors, before questioning whether the new building provided bike racks and charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Another resident concern raised was whether a plan had been made for worker parking during construction.
Before council granted third reading, Coun. Lynne Sinclair confirmed with staff that a worker parking plan had been established and that electrical charging stations are being provided for 20 per cent of the building’s 160 underground parking spaces.