Changes proposed to Semiahmoo residential project

A few changes are proposed for a once-controversial project along Semiahmoo Spit.

A public hearing is being held about changes to the former Seagrass residential project, now known as Semiahmoo Shores, that would mean fewer units and a change in the mix of buildings on the site near the Semiahmoo Resort and Semiahmoo Park.

The public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in Blaine’s City Council chambers at 435 Martin St., suite 400.

The project was approved in 2006 for 68 residential units using a mix of duplex and multiplex configurations. ATV Consulting has submitted applications to modify the building mix to have more duplexes and fewer four-unit buildings, decreasing the total number of units to 62, said Blaine Community Development Director Michael Jones.

In a separate shoreline application that has a public hearing at the the same time in council chambers, ATV Consulting has submitted an application to build 16 of the duplexes. If approved, construction can start in the approved time window of between April and November, said Ali Taysi of ATV Consulting.

One building is already mostly built on the site and will be used as a model to show those interested in buying, Taysi said.

When the project was known as Seagrass Cottages, many community members were opposed to it over concerns about views and open spaces. The current plan was approved by a 4-3 Blaine City Council vote in July 2006.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 8:52 AM with the headline "Changes proposed to Semiahmoo residential project."