Residents were vocal both for and against the Pacific Spirit Properties Development plans at a public hearing June 12 at the Seaside Centre.
Atelier Pacific Archi-tecture Inc. provided its updated concept drawings showing the total open space for the site at 0.73 hectares, which now includes a 10 per cent addition to the open space facing the water, a concern for people at past meetings. The mixed-use development proposes 93 residential dwelling units and commercial retail units that include a parkade/commercial level with 157 vehicle spaces and minimum of nine commercial units. A restaurant and public and private open spaces are included in the concept.
Citizens opposed to the proposed five-storey building want council to keep zoning bylaw No. 25, 1987 as a comprehensive development zone 3 (CD-3) for the Seascape Crescent condominium development. This would ensure that no building on waterfront property could exceed the three-storey building code that is currently followed.
Residents worried that if council passes the bylaw amendment, they will unleash the ability of other developers to build tall structures on waterfront property, and that developers who do not understand or have respect for the small town culture of Sechelt will spoil the village atmosphere.
"You are starting a precedent that you will not be able to take back," said resident Kim King.
Resident Hudson Janisch was also opposed. "This is a fancy urban concept that has no legitimate application here," he said.Local businessman Clark Hamilton spoke in favour of the proposed plan, saying the five-storey building would not be blocking anyone's view, as there is nothing but commercial property behind the site. He suggested that specifics of the design could be changed to make the building fit the town.
"Articulated facades could enhance the small town atmosphere," said Hamilton. "It's not what I'd design, but it's more palatable than the six-storey [previous design]."
Business owner Dennis Olson also pledged his support. "This building meets my vision of this town and what my children want this town to be like," Olsen said, whose comments were met with both applause and grumbling from the audience.Beyond peoples' like or dislike for the proposed plan, residents were also upset with the manner in which council has handled the entire process. Resident Michael Hume said the project has created hard feelings in the community and he put responsibility squarely on the shoulders of Mayor Cam Reid. Hume called Pacific Spirit "Reid's Vision."
"There is anxiety and annoyance because it has been dragged out," Hume said. Other citizens said council is trying to get bylaws changed too quickly and is disregarding the Vision Plan's objectives for waterfront development.
"Too many things are being pushed through too quickly," said resident Llewellyn Keates. "This is a waste of $200,000-plus we spent on the Vision Plan."
