The City Clerk advised that all statutory requirements had been met and that correspondence had been received and distributed on-table.

The Director of Planning and Development Services provided a brief overview of the application.

PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS

Mr. David Roppel, Aragon Properties Ltd. and Tom Bell GBL Architects provided a presentation on their development application noting the public consultation they have undertaken, the support and questions raised about the project, sustainability and environmental features, public art contribution, residential affordability and density relative to public transit in the vicinity and commercial space elements which will create shopping opportunities and jobs.

Mr. Tom Bell, GBL Architects reviewed the architectural features and suggested that the scheme is an improvement on the former in terms of fsr, undergroundparking, conformity to height requirements, massing and density along St. Johns Street. He listed the finishing architectural materials and elements he suggested would improve livability.

David Spence, 2822 Henry Street, expressed support for the proposal noting that GBL Architects and Aragon Properties have presented a significant building on a historical lot which will provide a significant amenity for the neighbourhood. He noted the developer’s contribution to public art for which he commended them.

Mr. David Ritcey, 2518 St. George Street and, Vice- President of the Moody Centre Community Association expressed regret regarding the manner in which this public hearing date was changed twice which prevented a town hall meeting hosted by the Community Association for neighbourhood residents to discuss this proposal which replaces public institutional space. He expressed a preference for a more collaborative, two-way process prior to the formal public hearing. He added that he felt the commercial/residential ratio is better in this proposal which has more residential and less commercial as more residential population in this area is needed to support the existing commercial spaces. He expressed concerns with size and bulk of the building in that it is a large building of 5 storeys which will have an impact on views of some existing residents. He also questioned whether the applicant has had adequate opportunity to demonstrate that their proposal meets the OCP height limitation test for number of storeys on St. Johns Street. He said he would be more supportive of the proposal if the frontage on St. Johns Street was stepped back more and there were fewer residential units.

John Grasty, 84 Grant Street, suggested that this proposal is in line with existing mulit-family developments in areaand is of the type that people can support. He added thatit will improve livability of this neighbourhood byreplacing the buildings that are currently on the site. He also noted that this development contributes to an increased tax base for Port Moody. He expressed theview that this development will be viewed by the provincial government as one which will make an Evergreen Line Station in Moody Centre warranted.

Mark Hamilton, 2228 Jane Street indicated that as an architect himself he is delighted with this development which adds the kind of panache that is seen in Newport Village in Port Moody. He expressed the view that thisdevelopment is badly needed in this area, offers incredible sustainability measures in terms of the building itself and proximity to the proposed Evergreen Line and will replace buildings that are shabby and overgrown with vegetation. He concluded that in his opinion this development sets the bar very high as Aragon and their consultants have done a fantastic job in form and character and materials used.

Wendy Swalwell, 2129 Clarke Street, indicated agreement with David Ritcey in terms of changes to the date for the public hearing. She noted that as a community association, they value opportunities for discussion and had hoped to hold a meeting in December prior to the former public hearing date and could not book a meeting room on time to have a residents’ meeting conducted prior to this evening’s public hearing date. She acknowledged that Mr. Roppel did meet with the Moody Centre Community Association and there is the sentiment that the proposed development is better than what is currently on the site, the location near a proposed sky train station is appropriate. She noted that there are issues about traffic in the absence of the Murray-Clarke Connector and she favours brick facades as proposed, although she thought it should have more of a heritage flavour.