Nelson development to go ahead, despite concerns.

Plans for a 38-storey tower and three-storey townhouses on two properties on Nelson Avenue are going ahead despite a handful of concerns brought forward by area residents.

The rezoning application, put forward by developer Concord Pacific, went to second reading at Monday night’s council meeting. The primary concerns regarding the properties at 6530 and 6550 Nelson Ave. focused on the density and shape of the building, loss of the rental housing currently on the two properties, vehicle access and traffic safety, and construction impacts, according to a report from the city’s planning and building department.

The concerns are related to the proposed density and shape of the building related to the amenity density bonus, and the form of the building in relationship to the neighbourhood, the report stated.

The development plan is consistent with council’s policies on density and the plan for the Metrotown area, Lou Pelletier, director of building and planning, stated in the report, and the value of the amenity bonus would be $9.5 million.

In an effort to improve the viability of development proposals in the Hastings Heights area, the City of Burnaby is proposing that the number of storeys in the C8 and C8a District be changed in rezoning to allow for a residential mezzanine floor (or a 5th storey) in the rear portion of the grade level commercial envelope. Design details include:

• Development of a residential mezzanine should not impact the viability of grade level commercial uses fronting Hastings Street.The residential mezzanine must occupy the rear, upper portion of the commercial envelope.
• Taking into account the minimum depths for the commercial and residential mezzanine units and the established front and rear yard setback requirements of the C8 and C8a District, lots with a minimum depth of 112.5 ft. would qualify for consideration for a building with a residential mezzanine floor.

Source: City of Burnaby

The building occupied by Edmonds Appliance in Burnaby has been sold, for $2,650,000, or $250 /SF. The 10,687 SF building is located on a 20,000 SF site and had been listed for sale for $2,950,000. The property is zoned C-4. Edmonds Appliance will be relocating.