May 20, 2014 - Minutes
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Regular Council Meeting for Public Hearings
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie |
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Absent: |
Councillor Chak Au |
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Call to Order: |
Mayor Brodie opened the proceedings at 7:00 p.m. |
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1. |
RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 9094 (RZ 12-602748) |
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Applicant’s Comments: |
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Tom Bell, Principal, gBL Architects, reviewed site plans of the proposed development and expressed the opinion that the design fits well with the surrounding buildings. The distance between the proposed development and the adjacent buildings exceed municipal requirements. Mr. Bell commented that the architectural concept creates a safer neighbourhood. The edges of the site have been carefully designed to meet grade requirements and will complete the neighbourhood with a building of similar density. Mr. Bell advised that, in response to concerns raised at the Discussion ensued regarding concerns with the large wall on the north side of the site. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Bell responded that the 4-foot wall is required to comply with floodplain management requirements and is concealed by the existing fence. Mr. Bell confirmed that the cross access agreement is no longer required. |
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Written Submissions: |
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(a) |
Brian Howe, 6233 London Road (Schedule 1) |
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(b) |
Katherine Covell, 6233 London Road (Schedule 2) |
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(c) |
Margaret Robinson, 6077 London Road (Schedule 3) |
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(d) |
Virgil Lee, Unit 13028 No. 2. Road (Schedule 4) |
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(e) |
Donald Coffin, 13028 No. 2 Road (Schedule 5) |
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(f) |
Neil Gnyp, 6233 London Road (Schedule 6) |
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(g) |
Klaus Gade, 6233 London Road (Schedule 7) |
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Submissions from the floor: |
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Klaus Gade, 6233 London Road, expressed concern with the size of the proposed development, its proximity to the building, in which he resides, and the change that it will bring to the south end of No. 2 Road. Mr. Gade remarked that he is pleased with the elimination of the requirement for the cross access agreement. Mr. Gade commented that the proximity of the development will invade his privacy. The need for more commercial space in Steveston was questioned given the current abundance of vacant commercial space. Discussion ensued regarding whether the adjacent parkade would be impacted as the requirement for access from the neighbouring property has been eliminated. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Bell confirmed that the proposed development is above the neighbouring parking podium, and the landscaping will be developed around the site, which will include a combination of trees, shrubs and ground cover. Wayne Craig confirmed that an engineering study on the impact to the parking podium will be required as part of the Development Permit process. Michael Cober, 13028 No. 2 Road, resides in the property located directly to the north of the proposed development. Mr. Cober advised that he raised the issue of north wall at February 17, 2014 Public Hearing. The construction atop the parking podium results in an elevated walkway that will invade the privacy of his residence. Wendy Hollingshead, 6233 London Road, expressed her concern with the cumulative increase in traffic along the single lane on No. 2 Road and issues at the three way stop sign at the intersection of No. 2 Road and Moncton Street. Ms. Hollingshead remarked on the proposed height of the new building. Discussion ensued regarding the Transportation Division’s indication that there is sufficient road capacity for the infill proposal. Staff advised that they plan to investigate the future widening of No. 2 Road from Steveston Highway south to London Road in the City’s upcoming 2015 – 2019 Capital Plan, to address long-term development in the area. If approved, road improvements would commence in 2017. Staff confirmed that the development meets the City’s zoning requirements with respect to parking. Discussion ensued regarding the necessity for taking additional land for road improvements. Staff advised that, if the project is approved, this would be determined during the design of the road improvements. Council requested that staff investigate the implementation of traffic calming measures along No. 2 Road. In response to the concerns expressed by the public, Mr. Bell advised that the walkway will be below the fence height and will not be invasive. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of green area that would buffer the building from the adjacent buildings. |
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PH14/5-1 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9094 be given second and third readings. |
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CARRIED |
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2. |
RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 9117 (RZ 13-638852) |
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Applicant’s Comments: |
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The applicant was available to respond to queries. |
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Written Submissions: |
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None |
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Submissions from the floor: |
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None |
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PH14/5-2 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9117 be given second and third readings. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 9128 (RZ 13-646115) |
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Applicant’s Comments: |
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The applicant was available to respond to queries. |
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Written Submissions: |
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None |
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Submissions from the floor: |
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Steven Lee, 3380 Lockhart Road, expressed concern that the north side of the proposed single detached building will block his view and his residence from natural light, resulting in increased natural gas usage. Staff advised that shading studies have not been requested however, if the project were approved, the 4-foot minimum setback from the existing duplex would be maintained. Council requested that the developer meet with Mr. Lee to attempt to address his request for sunlight. |
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PH14/5-3 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9128 be given second and third readings. |
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CARRIED |
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4. |
RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 9132 (RZ 12-620563) |
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Applicant’s Comments: |
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The applicant was available to respond to queries. |
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Written Submissions: |
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None |
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Submissions from the floor: |
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The resident of 9326 Laka Drive, spoke on behalf of residents at 9320, 9328 and 9360 Laka Drive. The resident is opposed to the development because they believe that this development will negatively impact the living conditions resulting from the blockage of airflows and privacy invasion. The proposed townhouses will be built a few feet from the shared fence and in his opinion, will be too close to the existing homes. The resident expressed their concern with the potential for public hygiene issues emanating from the centralized garbage area and noise issues. The resident is of the opinion that the applicant is proposing the demolition of two houses and is maximizing profit by building a high-density townhouse without any regard to the destruction of the current living environment. Discussion ensued regarding the existing Official Community Plan (OCP) designation for the townhouse development, the setback requirements for an arterial townhouse and the garbage and landscaping requirements of the proposed development. Staff confirmed that the view from the second story of the townhouses would be refined through the Development Permit process to minimize the impact on the neighbouring residences. Staff explained that the OCP provides a vision for the future evolution of the City to 2041. The OCP directs densification of arterial roads because they are Frequent Transit Routes. The densification would be achieved through the introduction of rear laneways to subdivide lots or development of townhouse complexes. The existing lot geometry makes it difficult to introduce a rear lane, and more suitable for a two-storey townhouse development. Carol Jean Miller, 9900 Parsons Road, and Christine Yau, 9988 Parsons Road, both commented on the negative effects of construction in their neighbourhood. Ms. Miller commented on the noise, dust and privacy issues resulting from the construction at No. 2 Road and Williams Road. Ms. Yau spoke to the negative impacts of the construction on the existing residents’ living conditions at No. 2 Road and Williams Road and requested that Council consider imposing a moratorium or slow the pace of development in the City. Council suggested that the Ms. Miller and Ms. Yau consult with staff to determine measures that could be taken to address their concerns. David Wong, 9220 Laka Drive, expressed concern that the proposed development will have privacy, noise and traffic impacts, particularly on Maple Drive. Staff advised that vehicle access to the townhouses would be provided from No. 2 Road. The Transportation Division has confirmed that the current traffic configuration can accommodate the small infill development. Discussion ensued on the elevations facing Laka Drive. Staff advised that the elevations facing the adjacent homes on Laka Drive will be two stories and privacy issues will addressed through the Development Permit process to minimize the impact on the neighbouring residences. |
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PH14/5-4 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9132 be given second and third readings. |
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CARRIED |
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5. |
RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 9133 (RZ 13-650094) |
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Applicant’s Comments: |
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The applicant was available to respond to queries. |
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Written Submissions: |
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None |
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Submissions from the floor: |
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None |
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PH14/5-5 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9133 be given second and third readings. |
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CARRIED |
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6. |
RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 9135 (RZ 12-610011) |
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Applicant’s Comments: |
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The applicant was available to respond to queries. |
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Written Submissions: |
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(a) |
D. Whalen, 13631 Blundell Road (Schedule 8) |
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Submissions from the floor: |
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D. Whalen, 13631 Blundell Road, appeared as a representative of Richmond Poverty Response Committee in support of the proposed bylaw amendment. Ms. Whalen commented that that the affordable housing units being proposed exceed the requirements of the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy. In addition, the artist work/live units support the City’s Arts Strategy. Ms. Whalen questioned the reference to “+/-63” affordable units in the staff report. Staff advised that the current estimate of required affordable housing units is 63, however, the actual number will be determined based on the habitable floor area built in each phase of the project. Staff advised that the affordable housing units will be built in each of the four phases and the percentage of the affordable housing will vary in each phase. The Artist Residential Tenancy Studio (ARTS) units will all be constructed in the first phase. Staff confirmed the affordable housing units will be dispersed throughout the development and the ARTS units will be concentrated in one area. Council questioned whether there has been any thought given to transit passes, particularly for the residents of the affordable housing units. Council requested that the developer investigate this concept. Discussion ensued regarding the need to integrate the affordable housing units into the community. The development has the potential to benefit the City through the inclusion of community amenities such as the Early Childhood Development centre, neighbourhood park and Canada Line transit station. |
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PH14/5-6 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9135 be given second and third readings. |
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CARRIED |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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PH14/5-7 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (8:09 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular meeting for Public Hearings of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday May 20, 2014. |
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Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie) |
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Acting Corporate Officer |
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