CASTANET:
A proposed development at Springfield and Benvoulin has been put on hold until City Council can solve the issue of affordable housing contributions for additional density. The applicant is seeking both an OCP amendment and rezoning to accommodate a development which would include a 30 storey tower and three four-storey buildings which would house 502 units. In exchange for the additional density, the developer is willing to provide the city $1.27 million as a cash-in-lieu affordable housing contribution. "I don't have any difficulties with this project, in fact, I think it is incredibly wonderful and it would be good for Kelowna and in the right area," says Councillor, Carol Gran.
"What I do have a problem with is the contribution to affordable housing. I have fought this battle long and hard for three years and have finally come to terms with it and now I believe if we are going to embrace a policy, that there should be a level playing field." Gran asked that the project be deferred until after councillors have a chance to debate the affordable housing policy which is scheduled before council next Monday. She adds she's not comfortable with the figure, citing a developer who paid $300,000 for 64 units on Lakeshore. "We're talking about a major development here for three times that. I can't help but believe that the figure isn't fair if we're talking about a level playing field for all of the developers."
A proposed development at Springfield and Benvoulin has been put on hold until City Council can solve the issue of affordable housing contributions for additional density. The applicant is seeking both an OCP amendment and rezoning to accommodate a development which would include a 30 storey tower and three four-storey buildings which would house 502 units. In exchange for the additional density, the developer is willing to provide the city $1.27 million as a cash-in-lieu affordable housing contribution. "I don't have any difficulties with this project, in fact, I think it is incredibly wonderful and it would be good for Kelowna and in the right area," says Councillor, Carol Gran.
"What I do have a problem with is the contribution to affordable housing. I have fought this battle long and hard for three years and have finally come to terms with it and now I believe if we are going to embrace a policy, that there should be a level playing field." Gran asked that the project be deferred until after councillors have a chance to debate the affordable housing policy which is scheduled before council next Monday. She adds she's not comfortable with the figure, citing a developer who paid $300,000 for 64 units on Lakeshore. "We're talking about a major development here for three times that. I can't help but believe that the figure isn't fair if we're talking about a level playing field for all of the developers."
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