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.
香蕉视频直播淭he current zoning checks all the boxes,香蕉视频直播� said one neighbour. 香蕉视频直播淭here is already an established pattern of development. It香蕉视频直播檚 like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.香蕉视频直播�
Much of the concern was over the height variance as well as the closeness of the townhouses to the street.
香蕉视频直播淚t doesn香蕉视频直播檛 fit the existing neighbourhood,香蕉视频直播� said another resident. 香蕉视频直播淚 can see it working in 15 years, but right now it香蕉视频直播檚 ginormous in massing and in height.香蕉视频直播�
Speaking on behalf of the applicant Brian Quiring with MQN Architects in Vernon said the development adheres to smart growth principles.
香蕉视频直播淚t limits urban sprawl香蕉视频直播t香蕉视频直播檚 upgrading the existing housing stock香蕉视频直播t provides alternative housing type, ground-oriented units,香蕉视频直播� he added. 香蕉视频直播淚 can香蕉视频直播檛 agree that it isn香蕉视频直播檛 the right fit.香蕉视频直播�
Several councillors sided with residents in opposing the project.
READ MORE: Kelowna councillor says townhouse project 香蕉视频直播榦verkill香蕉视频直播� 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.
香蕉视频直播淚 just have the feeling that it香蕉视频直播檚 the right project in the wrong spot.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Mohini Singh said she was on the fence but pointed out Kelowna needs housing.
香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 sorry but I香蕉视频直播檓 going to support this for the sake of just that need to address the housing crisis we are facing in our city.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Luke Stack added that he also wrestled with the project.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 a tough one because this is the first one we香蕉视频直播檝e seen in this neighbourhood and we want to get it right.香蕉视频直播�
Mayor Tom Dyas, who ended up casting the deciding vote on the matter, also said the city needs affordable housing.
香蕉视频直播淲hat香蕉视频直播檚 happening to our community is that it香蕉视频直播檚 being mandated on us that we look at having development.香蕉视频直播�
Dyas also asked the applicant to pay attention to design features in its project that provide privacy for area neighbours.
香蕉视频直播淚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.香蕉视频直播�
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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