Not one opposition was voiced to the proposed Wakefield 31-unit residential complex at its Sept. 22 public hearing.Developer Lance Sparling introduced the plan that calls for three different types of low-level residential buildings stepped down towards the waterfront where the Wakefield Inn now sits.The community dubbed Wakefield Beach would be comprised of 31 residential units in groupings of triplexes, townhouses and single units.Presenters from Sparling's group talked about the abundance of green space at the site, over 80 per cent including the permeable parking and walking spaces, as well as the "green roofs" that will be planted with grass covers and sedums."These green roofs are a new technology here, but not in Europe," landscape architect Bill Harrison said."They are both aesthetically pleasing and an important tool in storm water management."The entire project meets LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) standards and incorporates low flush toilets, a reduction in impermeable surfaces and the landscaped roof surfaces.Sparling also talked about his desire to incorporate pieces of the historic Wakefield Inn into the new residential community."We're talking about using some of the vertical logs, the doors, the sign. But we can't be sure yet because we're not sure what exactly is salvageable," Sparling said.Of the 100-plus people in the audience, just a handful asked Sparling questions around the heritage components of the site, the need to hook up to the sewer system and parking.Sechelt Mayor Cam Reid directed people with questions about the sewer to the Sept. 29 Wastewater Management Strategy open house at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt. (That meeting was underway as Coast Reporter went to press.)Some at the meeting were worried the new development would put too much stress on a sewer system that is in need of replacement."We feel there is capacity to accommodate at this juncture," responded Ray Parfitt, director of planning at the District of Sechelt.The issue of parking seemed to be addressed by the developer, who noted there are two garage parking spaces planned for each living unit.At the end of the comment period, one woman stood up to applaud the developer on the "beauty and environmental responsibility" shown in the plan.
