Secret deal aimed at revitalization (Peachland)

By Dave PrestonCapital News contributorDec 24 2006 http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
A select and secret group of developers is being given the opportunity to bid on District of Peachland property in the hopes that downtown revitalization will go ahead soon. Rebuilding the downtown core became a controversial topic when the town began working on its official community plan in December, 1999. It allows for the construction of multi-storey buildings that could reach eight to ten storeys in some cases. A number of developers have shown interest in major downtown projects over the past six years but, so far, none have been able to put together enough land to make their projects fly. Now the district is trying to kick start the process by offering land for sale. “The District of Peachland is facilitating the redevelopment of a block of downtown land, to achieve its objectives in the official community plan,” said Elsie Lemke, chief administrative officer. The land up for grabs is situated between Second and Third Streets and includes a district-owned parking lot and the land under the fire hall, municipal office and chamber of commerce building. The district owns about 40 per cent of the block, according to Lemke. “Several companies have been invited to submit concept plans for redevelopment of this block, together with information on their company’s financial capacity and previous experience with large scale, complex projects,” said Lemke. Mayor Graham Reid said four companies, which have all expressed interest in downtown revitalization in the past, have been invited to submit concept plans, but he stopped short of naming the companies. The company names will be disclosed only if they submit a concept plan, according to Reid. “Following review of the proposals in February of 2007, council expects to select one company to proceed to the next step, which is a letter of understanding,” said Lemke. The letter will set out how the district-owned property will be sold and will give the chosen company time to obtain options to purchase privately owned property on the block. Detailed development plans will also need to be drawn up and if the company is successful in assembling the required land, council will consider the project at a public hearing. “The letter of understanding in no way fetters councilís right to turn the proposal down,” said Lemke. “I am pleased that we are taking this fresh approach to redevelopment of our downtown,” said Reid. “A revitalized downtown will create new opportunities for business, residents and visitors alike.”