Bosa Properties has cleared one more hurdle in the path towards completing the final phase of its four-tower project in White Rock’s town centre.
Members of the city’s land use and planning committee – comprised of all those on council – voted unanimously Monday to recommend council approve an amended development permit for the project, subject to adoption of a bylaw that would amend the project’s zoning to accommodate changes including an increase in the number of residential units.
In explaining staff support for the permit, the city’s director of planning and development services, Paul Stanton, said the applicants “have made a solid effort” to respond to recommendations from advisory design panel members.
The recommendations included retention of commercial space and suggestions to address wind-tunnel concerns, as well as a request to retain the ship-like appearance of the tower closest to the corner of Thrift Avenue and Johnston Road.
Views between the two towers have also also been enhanced for residents of the first phase, Stanton noted.
Impact on views was one of the biggest concerns expressed by residents who attended a May 9 public hearing on the project. Many who spoke were also upset that amendments to the project had even been proposed.
Bosa representatives Monday reiterated their feeling that much of the discontent is a result of poor communication with the residents by the developer.
And despite perceptions, “overall, we feel the impact of the view is not as major as people think,” said Bosa’s Herman Nuessler.
Architect Richard Henry said Bosa is in the process of revisiting the “galleria mews” off Thrift, and will re-examine the wind baffle system, as requested by ADP members.
Regarding concerns expressed last week about the impact on views to the west, Coun. Al Campbell noted Bryant Park trees already obscure many such views. Nuessler confirmed residents below the 10th floor will not have a westerly view, and agreed views for higher-level residents will lessen as the park’s trees grow.
Coun. Grant Meyer said he appreciated learning the view loss attributed to the changes amounts to “a fraction of a per cent.”
Regarding an ADP’s desire for greater outdoor coverage, Coun. Lynne Sinclair said she would prefer the space be “as open as possible.”
Council gave the zoning amendment bylaw first and second reading April 18.
If the final approvals are received at the May 30 council meeting, Nuessler said the project will be back on the market by next May at the latest, and construction underway mid-2012. The towers are expected to take about two years to build.
Coun. Mary-Wade Anderson said after the meeting that she believes completion of the project in combination with the Avra and Essence town-centre developments will create the resort look that White Rock wants, and signal positive change for the city.
“I think it’s going to… sound an alarm that we’re ready,” she said.
Mayor Catherine Ferguson and Coun. Doug McLean were not present for Monday’s vote.