A request for more park space and a better definition of affordability were both concerns raised at a public information session for a Buckley Avenue development project, on March 8.
While still in an early phase, the District of Squamish and BC Housing proposal is for 72 apartment units in a five-storey building and eight lower-density townhouse units near the existing Squamish Skatepark.
The plan includes surface parking and a park. There is also room for a new building that would replace the aging Youth Centre.
Business owner Jamieson Murray, who lives across the street from the proposed development, said more housing is badly needed in the district. He said employers in town are having trouble finding places for their staff to live.
“I’m for all for it,” said Murray, although he added that to truly be affordable the rental cost of the units should be tied to income, instead of a flat rate.
The proposed rental rates for the project are tied to the estimated $23.2-million budget for the build.
Based on current funding projected by staff, monthly rents would be $990 for a studio, $1,170 for a one bedroom, $1,440 for a two-bedroom and $2,250 for a three bedroom.
While those rates may not sound very affordable, this development is just one piece of the solution, according to Helping Hands executive director Maureen Mackell, who also attended the information session.
“It doesn’t meet everyone’s need, but I think this is meeting a certain need that Squamish has,” she said, adding that Under One Roof is another piece of the puzzle aimed at a different demographic.
“Many of us have a vested interest in making sure our employees can afford to live here. We have the possibility and the capability to solve the problem,” she said.
Some residents supported the project, but wanted the included park to have more features, including a public playground.
Money from previous developer contributions in the area would go towards funding the park.
Others who attended the meeting said they were not supportive of the project and had concerns about the pace of development, height, traffic and the pressure that will be placed on aging infrastructure in the area.
“There was a belief in the neighbourhood that the height would be three-stories,” said resident Jason McKay. “I don’t want to be a NIMBY about it at all, but I’d prefer it to be spread out.”
McKay lives nearby in the Newport Landing development. He said if required, he thinks the residents of the townhomes would be willing to raise funds for a legal representative to challenge the development.
A number of other residents at the meeting opposed the project on the grounds that the neighbourhood is growing too quickly and doesn’t have the water or traffic infrastructure to handle that many new residents.
