The Davis Bay condominium project slated for the vacant lot beside Pier 17 will be back before Sechelt council May 4 for a first reading on the 20th revised edition of the plan.
Chris Moore of Davis Bay Development Inc. presented the revised plan to the planning, environment and economic development committee on April 26, saying he has addressed concerns raised by the community and hopes the plan will now move forward.
The revised plan lowers the building's height from four storeys to three storeys and changes the placement of the condominium to the front right corner of the lot.
"In the original plan, it was more of a U-shape in the centre of the lot," said Moore, noting now the condominium is in an L-shape with double loaded corridors along the side running parallel to Davis Bay road.
The building's design is angled on one side to "break up the façade," and commercial floor space has been lowered to 188 sq. metres from 193 sq. metres.
The total number of units has also been reduced to 59 from 60 and parking has been reduced by one stall for a total of 83 stalls.
Moore also presented an on-site sewage system as part of the proposal to address concerns over the site's ability to handle extra sewage generated by residents.
The sewage system would be a tertiary air-operated system using aerobic bacteria to break down sewage said Moore, noting the soil at the site is mainly sand that will help to properly dispose of effluent into the ground after it is treated on-site.
The new design also calls for cedar siding and tongue-and-groove construction.
"We have a list of concerns raised at past public meetings that we feel we have addressed to the best of our ability in this plan," said Moore at the committee meeting.
Councillors who sat on the committee thanked Moore for the work he has done to address concerns, but they were unsure what the community would think of the plan considering it has generated some strong opposition in the past.
"I admire your persistence and dedication to this project. You are a patient man," said Coun. Warren Allan. Allan went on to ask for more changes to the plan, however.
"I like the way you've angled the side to create depth. That's great. Is it possible to angle the other corner to open up the site line to Pier 17?" he asked.
Allan also voiced his concern over the density of the project.
"My last concern is density. I know you have to make money on this project, but there are people who have to live [behind the condominium]. If the community turns around on this issue, then I will support this," he said.
Moore said density was not a major issue raised at previous public meetings.
"When we look back at the comments, there is no question that the vast majority of people were concerned over the height. Concerns over density made up just a small percent. Now we've dealt with the height, and there's not much we can do about the density. One density will work there and one will not.
"We have cut back our plans various times and we are looking for a variance for the density," said Moore.
In order for the plan to move forward, Davis Bay Development Inc. will need an amendment to the Davis Bay official community plan and a rezoning of the lot to allow for a mixed-use, commercial/multi-family residential development.The new plan will be before council at its May 4 meeting, where it will be given first reading and a new public hearing date will be set.
