Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall
6911 No. 3 Road

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Kiichi Kumagai
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

David Weber, Director, City Clerk’s Office

Absent:

Councillor Linda Barnes

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

Call to Order:

Mayor Brodie opened the proceedings at 7:00 p.m.

1A.

Single Family Lot Size Policy 5411 (Section 11-4-7) Reconfirmation

(Granville Avenue and No. 1 Road area; Applicant:  City of Richmond)

1B.

Proposed Single-Family Lot Size Policy (Section 11-4-7 & 14-4-7)

(Granville Avenue and No. 1 Road area; Applicant:  City of Richmond)

Applicant’s Comments:

The Acting Director, Development, Holger Burke, reviewed the proposed recommendations.  He also reported on the status of the development applications for the subject area, advising that of the five applicants, the two applicants for townhouse developments had withdrawn their applications, and that two of the three single-family rezoning applications had agreed to withdrawn their applications as well.

Written Submissions:

John & Jane Bouma, 4120 Granville Avenue, Richmond (Schedule 1)

Frank & Edith Foster, 4420 Stonecrop Avenue, Richmond (Schedule 2)

Marlene & Ken Hart, 6691 Gibbons Drive, Richmond (Schedule 3)

Elton Hsu and Janeis Yang, 4231 Tucker Avenue  (Schedule No. 4)

Danny C. Chung, 4471 Tiffin Crescent  (Schedule No. 5)

Linda and Brian Harvey, 6111 Forsyth Crescent  (Schedule No. 6)

Submissions from the floor:

Mr. Maurice White, 6791 Gamba Drive, representing his neighbourhood, spoke in support of maintaining single-family development in the area. (Schedule No. 7)

Ms. Barbara Kelm, 6640 Gamba Drive, voiced her opposition to (i) townhouses and lanes in the area, and (ii) the continuation of the moratorium which prevented area property owners from subdividing their properties into two single-family lots for another five years.  She expressed concern about the inability of the owners of the large properties in the area to subdivide their lots into more manageable sizes.

Mr. Azim Juma, 6660 No. 1 Road, spoke in agreement with the previous speaker, and asked that owners of the larger properties be permitted to subdivide these lots into two smaller parcels.

Mr. Michael Thomas, 4451 Stonecrop Avenue, spoke in support of maintaining the area as single-family rather than allowing redevelopment to townhouses. (Schedule No. 8)

Ms. Marlene Hart, 6691 Gibbons Drive, representing the residents of the Thompson/Gibbons community, spoke in support of single-family zoning for the area.  (Schedule No. 9)  (See also Schedule No. 3)

Mr. Ken Hart, 6691 Gibbons Drive, commented on the character of the Thompson/Gibbons area, and spoke in support of the continuation of single-family dwellings in the area.  (Schedule No. 10)  (See also Schedule No. 3)

Ms. Dianna Thomas, 4451 Stonecrop Avenue, talked about living in the Thompson/Gibbons area and the ambience offered by the existing single-family homes in the area.  She spoke in support of retaining the current single-family zoning for the neighbourhood.  (Schedule No. 11)

Mr. Paul Dylla, 6526 Gibbons Drive, spoke about the single-family lot size policy which was being considered this evening and the related wording in the City’s Official Community Plan.  He offered a number of suggestions regarding the (i) Lot Size Policy and the OCP; (ii) declassification of Granville Avenue in this area as a major arterial road; and (iii) OCP growth targets.  (Schedule No. 12)

Ms. Marion Smith, 6580 Mayflower Drive, spoke in support of maintaining the current single-family zoning for the area, and submitted a survey completed by 189 residents regarding the rezoning applications for 4111 and 4093 Granville Avenue, and 4611 and 4451 Granville Avenue.  (Schedule No. 13) 

Ms. Amina Summers, 6231 Nicolle Place, spoke about the special ambiance and spaciousness of the Thompson/Gibbons area properties.  She spoke about the property owners who wished to subdivide their properties and whether their choices were in alignment with the long term goals of the City.  Ms. Summers concluded her presentation by expressing support for continuing single family development in the area.

Mr. Mike Puttonen, 6711 Gamba Drive, spoke about the impact which the proposed developments would have had on his property, had they proceeded.

Ms. Waltraut Horstmann, 6631 Gamba Drive, spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning applications which would have resulted in multi-family developments in the area. 

Ms. Barbara Kelm (supplementary presentation), reiterated that she did not support townhouse developments or the construction of lanes in her neighbourhood.  She indicated that she only wished to determine the feasibility of subdividing her property at some point in the future.

PH05/7-1

It was moved and seconded

That Single-family Lot Size Policy 5411 for the westerly portion of the Granville Avenue and No. 1 Road Area (Section 11-4-7) which permits existing Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E), be reconfirmed.

CARRIED

PH05/7-2

It was moved and seconded

That a new Single-Family Lot Size Policy for the easterly portion of Granville Avenue and No. 1 Road area (Section 11-4-7) and for the lots on the south side of Granville Avenue between Railway Avenue and No. 1 Road (Section 14-4-7) restricting rezoning and subdivision to Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E), be adopted.

CARRIED

2.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7886 (RZ 04- 271116)

(8580, 8600 and 8680 Cambie Road; Applicant:  Paul Leong Architect Inc.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was in attendance to respond to questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH05/7-3

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7886 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

3.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7926 (RZ 04-277069)

(9800 Alberta Road; Applicant:  Matthew Cheng Architect)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant indicated that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Richard Singh, 9821 Alberta Road  (Schedule 14)

Prabha Singh, 9821 Alberta Road  (Schedule 15)

Gurmel Singh, 9821 Alberta Road  (Schedule 16)

Asha Singh, 9821 Alberta Road  (Schedule 17)

Michael Lee, 9831 Alberta Road (Schedule 18)

Submissions from the floor:

Ms. Asha Singh, 9821 Alberta Road, read aloud correspondence received from Michael Lee (see Schedule No. 18), who expressed concern about the negative impact which the proposed development would have on the property, particularly with respect to increased traffic and on-street parking.

Ms. Asha Singh, 9821 Alberta Road, (see Schedule No. 17), spoke in support of single-family development for her neighbourhood.  She commented on the impact which current construction projects have had on the area, and the difficulties encountered by residents trying to access and exit their driveways because of the increase in traffic and on-street parking.

Mr. Fred Carron, 9820 Alberta Road, spoke about the many townhomes which had been constructed along Alberta Road.  He also spoke about the proposed development and he questioned the provision of access; the rationale for the difference in densities of those developments located on both sides of Alberta Road, and whether the subject property could adequately accommodate the density being proposed.  Mr. Carron also commented on increased traffic congestion being caused by on-street parking, and questioned the need for a fence around the School Board property.  He also questioned whether a buffer would be placed between his home and the subject property to reduce the impact of the development on his home.

Mr. Dave Szabo, of 9760 Alberta Road, spoke about the design plan which was chosen for the neighbourhood, and the need for the fence around the School Board property at MacNeill School.

Ms. Asha Singh (supplementary presentation), spoke further on the mix of townhouses and single-family developments in the neighbourhood.  She questioned whether a developer of a multi-family project would receive automatic approval of the proposal, based on the area plan adopted by Council.

PH05/7-4

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7926 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

Cllr. Howard, in accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, declared himself to be in a conflict of interest because of previous business matters relating to the following property, and he then left the meeting – 8:55 p.m.

4.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7944 (RZ 04-277620)

(Portion of 12251 No. 2 Road; Applicant:  Patrick Cotter Architect Inc.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant indicated that he did not wish to make a presentation at this time.

Written Submissions:

D. Wong & Associates, 444 South Flower Street, #3860, Los Angeles, California, representing the owners of the property at 12280-12320 Trites Road.  (Schedule 19)

Amin Bardai, 12231 No. 2 Road.  (Schedule No. 20)

Patrick Cotter, #235, 11300 No. 5 Road, in response to the concerns expressed by Mr. Bardai.  (Schedule No. 21)

Submissions from the floor:

Mr. Amin Bardai, 12231 No. 2 Road, voiced concern about the proposed development and the damage which was occurring to his home and property (see Schedule No. 20)  He suggested that Council give consideration to requiring the posting of a bond by a developer which would cover the cost of damage to properties.

Mr. Greg Rafter, 5740 Moncton Street, questioned the timing of improvements to No. 2 Road and spoke about the need to address the increase in traffic resulting from the new developments at the south end of No. 2 Road sooner rather than later.  He also voiced concern about the overall height of the developments backing onto Moncton Street and whether these buildings would be two or three stories in height.

Mr. Raj Bains, 5706 Moncton Street, questioned whether the developer would be replacing the fencing along the rear of his property, and information was provided by the Mayor on this matter.

Mr. Bardai (supplementary presentation), questioned at what time the design of the building would be considered, and advice was given that the design and format of the townhouse would be addressed as part of the Development Permit process.

Mr. Patrick Cotter, architect for the project, provided clarification on the difference in the letter in the possession of Mr. Bardai as compared to the letter sent to the Mayor and Council.  With reference to the proposed development, he indicated that the new development would have a building height of 9 metres (two storeys) along the north side and that the rear of the homes would be similar in appearance to two storey single family homes.  He further indicated that the building height would shift to three storeys along the south side of the project.

Mr. Jay Minhas, President, Elegant Development Inc., indicated that he would be addressing Mr. Bardai’s concerns and he apologized for any miscommunication between Mr. Bardai and himself about his concerns.  He indicated that the existing fence on Mr. Bardai’s property would be replaced with a totally new structure.

PH05/7-5

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7944 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

PH05/7-6

It was moved and seconded

That staff review:

(1)

the Capital Plan to consider the widening of No. 2 Road and other improvements south of Moncton Street;

(2)

the buffering provided along on No. 2 Road, south of Moncton Street; and

(3)

the feasibility of installing a full traffic signal at the intersection of No. 2 Road and Moncton Street.

CARRIED

Cllr. Howard returned to the meeting – 9:40 p.m.

Cllr. Kumagai left the meeting – 9:41 p.m.

5.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7957 (RZ 05-299525)

(8391 No. 1 Road; Applicant:  Medina Construction)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was not in attendance.

Written Submissions:

Harold H. Baba, 8380 Alanmore Place  (Schedule No. 22)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH05/7-7

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7957 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

PH05/7-8

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7957 be adopted.

CARRIED

Cllr. Kumagai returned to the meeting – 9:42 p.m.

6.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7958 (RZ 05-295609)

(8899 Odlin Crescent; Applicant:  Malcolm Elliot of Endall Elliot Associates)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was present to respond to questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH05/7-9

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7958 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

7A.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7959 (RZ 04-286382)

(8040 Garden City Road; Applicant:  Farrell Estates Ltd.)

7B.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7960 (RZ 04-286382)

(Various locations; Applicant:  City of Richmond)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant indicated that he was present to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH05/7-10

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw Nos. 7959 and 7960 each be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

PH05/7-11

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw Nos. 7959 and 7960 each be adopted.

CARRIED

8.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7964 (RZ 05-296540)

(4240 and 4260 Garry Street; Applicant:  Elegant Development Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant indicated that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH05/7-12

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7964 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

PH05/7-13

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 7964 be adopted.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

PH05/7-14

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:43 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting for Public Hearings of the City of Richmond held on Monday, July 18^th, 2005.

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Director, City Clerk’s Office
(David Weber)