A rezoning application to build a low-rise apartment building on Alexander Avenue in downtown Chilliwack is going to public hearing later this month.
The planning matter was referred back to staff at the Nov. 21 meeting when more information was sought about the proposed five-storey apartment building.
Council had questions about whether they would to be rental units or strata owned apartments, given the state of the current housing crisis in Chilliwack.
The property currently has a rental house on it. The applicant was not in council chambers at the November meeting to answer questions, which irked some members.
Council then asked staff to clarify the future ownership and stratification plans for the development with the applicant, prior to allowing it to proceed to public hearing, for the proposed building at 45905 Alexander Avenue.
“The applicant has since clarified that all units are anticipated to be sold at market rate, pending future stratification,” according to the latest staff report.
With the plans for ownership confirmed, council approved the recommendation for a public hearing for Jan. 23 to record comments from the public.
The proposal is to rezone property at 45905 Alexander Avenue from an Ml (Light Industrial) Zone to an R5 (Low Rise Apartment) Zone for a five-storey building, with 31 apartment units, 23 small units, and eight standard units.
The applicant submitted a concurrent development variance permit requesting several variances.
“The requested variances are supportable and not anticipated to significantly impact neighbouring properties or the neighbourhood as a whole,” the staff report said. “The proposed apartment development meets the intent of the design guidelines for Development Permit Area 6 through the use of extensive landscaping, building articulation and varied design features that are expected to create an appealing streetscape.”
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