Beaconsfield council rejects initial Elm Ave. plaza proposal

Beaconsfield council has voted thumbs down on a potential new mixed-use development for a strip mall site on Elm Ave.

Council voted unanimously against approving the project proposed for the Elm Plaza at 275 Elm Ave., just north of Highway 20.

Beaconsfield Mayor Georges Bourelle said the high density project did not satisfy criteria of the city planning department or council.

“This is the first proposal we got and it did not meet the expectations of our urban planning department,” he said. “But I think it's important to say we haven't turned down the project, just the first proposal.”

The mayor said the project's density — 138 units and 14 townhouses — was a key issue for council.

“We want the project to integrate with the neighbouring community,” he said.

Bourelle also noted the developer may come back with a revised plan that meets some of the concerns expressed by local residents.

“First, the developer has to reach out to the community and see what their concerns are,” he said.

Once that consultation is done, he said the city will consider the developer's revised building proposal. If a revised project is to move forward, it would require zoning amendments approved by city council. Current zoning for the property is commercial only with a two-storey maximum.

The project included three-storey townhouses, a main residential building of four storeys, or five with a setback mezzanine level.

There would also be some commercial spaces on the ground floor.

If zoning amendments for the site are eventually approved by council, Bourelle said nearby residents can oppose the zoning change by requesting a public register, which could possibly trigger a referendum.

Citizens have raised concerns about the affect a big condo complex would have on the community, including traffic congestion issues and local infrastructure.

The strip mall was purchased last year for more than $9 million by a numbered company. In the fall, promoters unveiled preliminary designs of the mixed-use project at a public information meeting at Beaconsfield United Church.

The mayor also said the city has few areas remaining for large densification projects.

“We have very few opportunities for growth in Beaconsfield,” Bourelle said. “If we don't take advantage of these few opportunities, the losers are going to be the taxpayers. Without growth, taxes become a heavy burden on the existing taxpayers.”

The mayor says there is also a “strong need” for condos in Beaconsfield. “For people who want to downsize, there is nothing available for them.”

But some citizens who attended last week's council meeting said the 275 Elm Ave. project will create more traffic in the area.

The project was designed to have 211 parking spaces, including underground parking via Fairway Drive. There would also be 30 spaces for bicycles.

Other residents have also expressed a desire to see some current mall tenants remain a part of any new project. The mall is home to a handful of businesses, including Sherwood Park Animal Hospital, Cugini's Pizza, Morty's Driving School and a Re/max Royal Jordan real estate office.