Delta appears ready to pave the way for more developers to step forward with high-density housing applications for the Scott Road corridor.
Council yesterday considered preliminary approval for a bylaw amendment “to incentivize increased development density along the corridor and to further encourage revitalization.”
A staff report notes that the Scott Road Revitalization Bylaw was adopted in late 2012 to establish a revitalization tax exemption program, which includes reductions in municipal fees and charges to encourage accelerated private sector investment in residential and commercial projects. Since the bylaw was adopted the corridor, according to the report, has generated strong interest from developers, predominantly for high-rise residential buildings. Although that interest has led to construction of the Delta Rise, many areas along Scott Road “remain ripe for renewal.”
Under the new bylaw, apartments or mixed-use developments of at least six storeys would receive a freeze of property taxes for up to three years as well as the waiver of building permit fees, plumbing permit fees and land use application freeze. Currently, development cost charge breaks only apply to new buidlings at least 10-storeys.
The amendment is to encourage redevelopment of currently vacant parcels and parcels that have buildings that are ready to be redeveloped.
“We want to be sure to incentivize a wide range of products while accelerating needed redevelopment of the corridor,” the report adds.
During their discussion Monday, councillors agreed to consider the proposed changes further. Noting she has concerns about having nothing but six-storey wooden buidlings lining Scott Road, Coun. Lois Jackson said it seemed premature to pass such an amendment "until we get all our ducks in a row."
