The developer of Pitt Meadows’ waterfront community will be allowed to add more residential units to the neighbourhood.
City council granted third reading to a zoning bylaw and official community plan amendment on Tuesday, which will allow Mosaic Homes to build 24 more units in Osprey Village.
The four parcels, located on Barnston View Road, are at the centre of the development.
Mosaic Homes wants to build four three-storey buildings containing the additional residential units and 12 ground-level commercial units, almost double the minimum square footage required by the development covenant.
Residents of Osprey Village, who attended Tuesday’s public hearing, spoke in favour of the amendment.
“There have been a few start-up businesses that have gone into the community and I can’t help but think increased density would help them on their way,” said Rick Mooney, who lives in Turnstone.
“Secondly, as a residents, we would love to see more commercial opportunities for us to go do our daily or weekly business without driving our cars.”
George Coghlan, an Osprey Village resident who is seeking a seat on city council, asked the city to continue to work with the developers to ensure two waterfront lots set aside for a chapel and a restaurant or pub are completed.
“Certainly, Osprey Village has not developed the way we all expected or hoped. But there is still some promise and I am optimistic things will move forward,” he added.
As part of the application, Mosaic is committing to contribute an additional $20,000 to the project’s public art budget; transfer 15 of 40 parking stalls to the city and provide a two-year rent-free artist-in-residence with a co-op gallery in one of the proposed commercial units fronting on Barnston View Rd.
But city councillors remain concerned that Mosaic may walk away from the development before a chapel and restaurant are built.
“Frankly, as this last horse gallops out of the barn, we will lose our grip on that chapel site,” said Coun. John Becker.
“I would like some clarity on that commitment and on that vision, and if it no longer fits, let’s change it.”
Mayor Don MacLean, who has worked on the project the longest, reminded council that the vision was a destination community with special stores, not “dry cleaners and 7-Elevens”.
Other councillors supported the amendments.
“We want businesses in there that are going to be successful, too,” said Deb Walters. “Sometimes those quaint little art shops are nice to have, but if they don’t pay the bills, it defeats the purpose of having them.”
The timing of the future development of these lands remains with the developer, said city director of operations Kim Grout.
" These lands could be sold at any time, as in any development, but covenants respecting their future use as a chapel/restaurant remain on title."