Council gave preliminary approval this week to the proposed Delta Gardens development.
The project involves a portion of municipally-owned property on 84th Avenue in North Delta that the developer would purchase and consolidate with three adjacent parcels to build two condo buildings and two townhouse buildings. A total of 110 apartments and 12 townhomes would be built. If approved, Delta would use the funds from the land sale to construct a new arts and cultural centre to replace the Firehall Centre for the Arts.
The site is adjacent to the North Delta Recreation Centre and surrounded by mostly single-family homes.
A civic report notes the proposal doesn’t meet the current Official Community Plan designation nor the North Delta Area Plan. It also exceeds the maximum height allowance of three storeys as well as the current maximum residential density for the area.
The proponent told council the new residential units will meet the need of residents looking to downsize as well as first-time homebuyers.
Almost 100 people attended a public information meeting at the North Delta Recreation Centre last fall where several residents expressed opposition, although the developer submitted a petition with 80 Delta residents in support. The civic report notes the majority of opposition that was submitted came from people close to the site with a majority further out from the development in support.
A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 31.
