There’s no way the design as it appears now would be approved.
That’s what Coun. Lois Jackson said last week during council’s discussion of a new high-density housing proposal at the corner of 75A Avenue and Scott Road in North Delta.
Planning staff presented a report with preliminary information regarding the application submitted by Arzone and Hari Homes for a development totaling 142 units in two, six-storey apartment buildings and 11, three-storey townhouse units
A previous controversial 35-storey high-rise proposal at the corner was defeated in a council vote last fall.
Unlike the last proposal, the new application does fit within the Official Community Plan designation, however, given that the proposal is a significant new residential development, planning staff prepared the report to provide an overview of the new application and to seek council's endorsement of the proposed public consultation process.
The proposal must still go back to council at some point for possible first and second readings and then onto a public hearing.
Planning staff noted the latest application is at a preliminary stage and aspects of the proposal may change in response to a detailed staff review as well as council or community comments.
Staff propose to engage the public by virtual means due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jackson said changes had better come when it comes to the look of the new project.
“I could not support a building that looked like that in our community in North Delta. If we can’t get some better architecture going on here, I’m not supporting it,” said Jackson.
Coun. Dan Copeland agreed, saying the design should have a better interface with the surrounding neighborhood, but he supports the application going forward.
Coun. Jeannie Kanakos also said she’s hoping the block-like look of the design will change.
Planning staff said it’s not necessarily the final product and things will evolve as the application moves ahead through the consultation.
