Plans for a James Bay residential tower have been scaled back to 14 storeys from 17, which helped pave the way for Victoria council to consider an Official Community Plan amendment so it could go ahead.
The project, which would be built on a property that is largely a parking lot bordered by Quebec, Montreal and Kingston streets, was sent back to the drawing board last summer after council deemed 17 storeys too tall.
Revised plans from developer Mike Geric Construction include a total of 108 housing units in that and other buildings on the site — including townhouses up to three storeys high.
A daycare is also proposed.
The OCP calls for buildings on the property of up to six storeys, while the James Bay Neighbourhood Plan envisions the site having townhouses or apartments up to three storeys.
Council’s committee of the whole on Thursday narrowly supported potential alterations to the OCP in a 5-4 vote, with Mayor Marianne Alto and councillors Chris Coleman, Marg Gardiner and Stephen Hammond opposed. City staff had recommended approval.
Those deemed to be affected by any OCP changes will have an opportunity for input, including people living within a 200-metre radius of the site, Transport Canada and Harbour Air.
A rezoning would also be required to increase the density, and add dwellings and commercial uses.
Coun. Jeremy Caradonna said the developers “have met if not exceeded council direction” in making changes to the plans.
He said 14 storeys is a better fit for the surrounding area than 17.
“There’s a number of 12- to 13-storey buildings in the immediate neighbourhood,” he said. “Right now it’s a completely underutilized parking lot that could be a place where people have homes, it could be a place for small businesses, it could be a place for daycare.”
There would also be community meeting space, Caradonna said, adding that he has heard positive feedback from the public about the revised plan.
“I don’t think it’s going to please everyone,” he said. “But on balance I think it’s supportable and an improvement over what’s there now.”
Caradonna said one thing he would like to see is more bike parking.
“More and more people are riding bikes, they’re riding e-bikes and cargo bikes.”
Hammond said the project is too dense and he’s concerned about the cost for potential homebuyers.
“It’s still way too many units, still way too tall and still way beyond the financial reach of the vast majority of Victorians.”
He said people are not averse to development and density “but there has got to be a limit.”
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