The need for affordable housing in Kelowna won out over neighbourhood concerns at a public hearing (Apr. 18) for a townhouse project planned for the North End.
The developer wants to build nine units at 979 and 983 Coronation Avenue but asked for a height variance, from two storeys to three, for its rezoning application. Several area residents spoke against the project.
91裸聊视频淭he current zoning checks all the boxes,91裸聊视频� said one neighbour. 91裸聊视频淭here is already an established pattern of development. It91裸聊视频檚 like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.91裸聊视频�
Much of the concern was over the height variance as well as the closeness of the townhouses to the street.
91裸聊视频淚t doesn91裸聊视频檛 fit the existing neighbourhood,91裸聊视频� said another resident. 91裸聊视频淚 can see it working in 15 years, but right now it91裸聊视频檚 ginormous in massing and in height.91裸聊视频�
Speaking on behalf of the applicant Brian Quiring with MQN Architects in Vernon said the development adheres to smart growth principles.
91裸聊视频淚t limits urban sprawl91裸聊视频t91裸聊视频檚 upgrading the existing housing stock91裸聊视频t provides alternative housing type, ground-oriented units,91裸聊视频� he added. 91裸聊视频淚 can91裸聊视频檛 agree that it isn91裸聊视频檛 the right fit.91裸聊视频�
Several councillors sided with residents in opposing the project.
READ MORE: Kelowna councillor says townhouse project 91裸聊视频榦verkill91裸聊视频� for neighbourhood
Coun. Rick Webber noted that when the development first came to council he had said that it looked like a tight fit for the neighbourhood.
91裸聊视频淚 just have the feeling that it91裸聊视频檚 the right project in the wrong spot.91裸聊视频�
Coun. Mohini Singh said she was on the fence but pointed out Kelowna needs housing.
91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 sorry but I91裸聊视频檓 going to support this for the sake of just that need to address the housing crisis we are facing in our city.91裸聊视频�
Coun. Luke Stack added that he also wrestled with the project.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 a tough one because this is the first one we91裸聊视频檝e seen in this neighbourhood and we want to get it right.91裸聊视频�
Mayor Tom Dyas, who ended up casting the deciding vote on the matter, also said the city needs affordable housing.
91裸聊视频淲hat91裸聊视频檚 happening to our community is that it91裸聊视频檚 being mandated on us that we look at having development.91裸聊视频�
Dyas also asked the applicant to pay attention to design features in its project that provide privacy for area neighbours.
91裸聊视频淚t is just a request but when it comes back it will be noted for yourself and staff that those particular things will be looked at during the building permit stage.91裸聊视频�
Council voted 5-4 to give second and third readings to rezone the property, with councillors Webber, Gord Lovegrove, Charlie Hodge, and Ron Cannan opposed.
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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