THE District of West Vancouver moved one step closer to changing the face of Ambleside Monday night.
Council isn't scheduled to deliberate on the proposed sale of municipal property at 1300 Marine Drive to Grosvenor development group until March 5, but wanted to announce the opportunity for community response.
Mayor Michael Smith called the potential sale: "The beginning of the renewal of the 1300-block."
Selling the police station, parking lot and laneway on the south side of Marine Drive could mean as much as $37 million for West Vancouver, according to Mark Chan, the district's manager of corporate initiatives.
The sale would hinge on council approving a rezoning application by Grosvenor later this year.
Both Chan and Bob Sokol, director of planning, lands and permits, stressed the district would have control over the design, height and density of the development.
"Council is the ultimate decision-maker," Sokol said, a phrase Chan also used twice.
The 1300-block of Marine Drive is categorized as a special site in West Vancouver's official community plan, meaning buildings constructed in the area could be four storeys or taller if approved by council.
If the sale is approved, Grosvenor would likely return to council with a rezoning application within six to nine months.
A deal with Grosvenor is the best scenario for the district, according to real estate developer Howard Nemtin, who spoke to council on behalf of the Ambleside Revitalization Commission.
"The best possible job has been done," Nemtin said. "It was our mandate to protect the public. . . and get the possible deal."
The district's stated mandate for the area includes greater housing options, opportunities for local businesses, and better pedestrian access and cycling routes.
Profits from the purchase would likely allow West Vancouver to build a new public safety building.
Maggie Pappas, West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce vicepresident, urged council to finish the deal.
"Seismic activity, have you noticed, is accelerating," she said. Both the police station and fire hall are not built to the postdisaster standards of the B.C. Building Code, likely failing in an earthquake and leaving police and firefighters unable to respond to emergencies, according to a report written by district staff and received by council last September.
Pappas called on council to use the opportunity to build a "crucial public safety building," which is one of the district's priorities.
"Time to put your mouths where Grovesnor's money is," she said.
The one note of caution came from resident Gordon WardHall, who asked if a key detail had been omitted from the current plan.
"There's no decision yet as to where the police are going," he said, adding that it would be odd to sign an agreement without having a new location for the police.
Council voted unanimously to receive public comment on the potential sale of district-owned land to Grosvenor.
Coun. Mary-Ann Booth recused herself from the vote. Residents can find more information about the proposal at westvancouver.ca/1300block.
