A redevelopment of the Esso station and car wash at 17th and Lonsdale sailed through its first vote at City of North Vancouver council Monday evening (Jan. 17).
Developer Polygon Homes has applied to build a six-storey mixed-use building with retail storefronts on the ground level, office space on the second floor and 64 strata homes on top.
The proposal fits within the city’s official community plan and the zoning allows for a height of up to eight storeys – but the maximum allowable density, which is measured by the floor space of the proposal compared to the overall site, is higher than the current regulations allow. To make the project viable, council is being asked to consider transferring 523.2 square metres of buildable space from the nearby Harry Jerome lands to 1712 Lonsdale Ave. In total, the city would receive just over $3.8 million in community amenity contributions, 20 per cent of which will be set aside for affordable housing.
Council was set to exercise some new powers granted by the province, allowing them to bypass public hearings for proposals that are consistent with the official community plan.
But Coun. Don Bell moved to include a public hearing anyway. Bell said he didn’t have qualms with Polygon’s proposal but said he didn’t agree with the province’s decision to make public hearings optional, adding the public’s input may very well provide council with some constructive ideas to improve on the project.
Bell’s motion passed unanimously.
