A row of popular trees in James Bay will soon make way for a rental apartment complex.
City of Victoria councillors, during a May 5 meeting, gave final approval to a development permit for a proposed 137-unit apartment complex by Primex Investments in James Bay.
Councillors had approved third reading back in March but had not given final approval. That was done after Primex Investments and the city’s lawyers were able to modify a housing agreement that would allow certain tenants in the existing building to move into the new building at 20 per cent below market rate.
Located at 110 Menzies St., the six-storey rental apartment building will feature 89 one-bedroom units, 33 two-bedroom units, 14 three-bedrooms, one studio unit and underground parking.
Although the Vancouver-based developer promises to plant dozens of new trees, several plum blossom trees on Menzies Street will be removed in order to make way for a new sidewalk — something that has upset some residents in the area.
“They beautify our neighbourhood, they are a trademark of James Bay and we hate to lose them,” James Bay resident, Mariann Burka told CHEK News in March.
The existing apartment buildings, which are home to 45 affordable units, will be removed to make way for the new development and Primex has already started current tenant relocation.
RELATED: James Bay residents concerned redevelopment project could cause ‘trademark’ trees to be cut down
An artist rendering of a proposed 137-unit purpose-built rental apartment building in James Bay. (Primex/City of Victoria)
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