Townhouse development left in dust over cleanliness concerns

A developer hoping for first reading instead got a stern lecture on community responsibly during Coquitlam’s Dec. 13 council meeting.

The development, a three-storey, 50-unit townhouse project spread between six lots on the 700 blocks of Grover and Regan avenues, was referred back to staff after Mayor Richard Stewart raised concerns over the state of the property.

“There is a backyard that looks like a dumping ground,” Stewart said. “I won’t be specific about the contents.”

Three of the six houses hadn’t been secured, Stewart said. Located between Dogwood and Robinson streets, the site also featured what looked like months-old food in a garbage can, he added.

While he said it wasn’t the worst he’d seen, Stewart said it was crucial developers abide by the city’s good neighbour policy.

Describing the site as “kinda bad,” Coun. Brent Asmundson underscored the need to send a message to present and future development applicants.

“I hope that the message gets out there. I’m tired of having to re-send this message,” Asmundson said.

“We’re not going to take this anymore,” Coun. Chris Wilson agreed.

The development will likely be back in front of council in January, according to Coun. Dennis Marsden.

However, Marsden also emphasized that, as the city faces a strain with development construction, developers treat the good neighbour policy as binding.

“When they sign that pact, they live it,” he said.

Breakdown:

• One-bedroom units: 11
• Three-bedroom units: 38 (11 with dens)
• Four-bedroom units: 1
• Lot coverage: 43.5 percent
• Parking spots: 69

Cash on the table:

The development is expected to generate a total of approximately $765,000 for Coquitlam through both development cost charges and community amenity contributions.

Trees

The applicant plans to fell 19 of the 21 trees in the area to facilitate the parkade and road widening. The applicant would plant 60 replacement trees, along with shrubs.