Contentious development wins approval

by Melissa Ligertwood - Cstanet Apr 23, 2013 / 5:00 am
Vernon City Council voted 5-2 in favour of a rezoning request on the 4600 block of 20 Street, following a second public hearing on the matter Monday evening. Monday's decision means that the property in question will be rezoned from R5 to RH1, allowing for a 24-unit development on a 0.63 acre site.  With 20 Street being a busy thoroughfare and home to the BMX event park as well as an elementary school, parking and traffic have become huge concerns for residents. Back in 2010, the City built much needed pedestrian infrastructure, narrowed the road and eliminated on-street parking. While the upgrades have improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, residents are facing significant challenges with parking and safe driveway access from 20^th Street. Many in the neighbourhood feel that the addition of 24 units on the street will make matters worse. The developers, Stefan and Pearl Marten, say that they understand the concerns of the neighbourhood and made a conscious effort to be reasonable. Their development, if approved, would stand around nine metres high with a setback of three metres, keeping the structure within the current R5 zoning requirements. The rezoning to RH1 simply allows them to incorporate more units. In his presentation to council, Stefan Marten said, “If people have insufficient parking today, they will have insufficient parking whether our development goes ahead or not.” Seven large townhomes, which is what the current R5 zoning would allow, the Martens feel would not alleviate residents’ concerns. The goal of the 24-unit complex is to provide a more efficient use of the space. That means smaller more affordable units intended for one to three occupants, fewer vehicles, and housing for individuals with limited mobility, seniors, and starter families. Long time resident, Pat Seymour, owns the property directly adjacent to the proposed development. “There’s no doubt it’s going to have an effect on me, my property values, and my ability to sell my property in the future,” said Seymour. “It’s been a lot of stress on my family not knowing what’s going to happen.” Seymour and his wife Tracey believe they stand to lose up to 30% of the value of their property. Their home has many south facing windows, which would be blocked by the development, and with the three metre side yard setback, the Seymours feel they will be losing privacy and enjoyment of their family home. The planned development is eight buildings, with four on the north side of the property adjacent to the Seymours’ house. At eight windows per building visible above the required 5 ft. privacy fence, the Seymours aren’t happy about 32 windows overlooking their backyard. Councillor Catherine Lord felt that residents’ concerns were mostly because of the parking situation. “I don’t believe, personally, that this development is going to hinder or fix [parking],” said Lord. “Even if there was no rezoning, you could end up with a development much worse than this one.” Councillor Brian Quiring echoed Lord’s sentiments, adding that he felt the developers’ hearts are in the right place. “They have the best intentions in mind for the neighbourhood. I believe in them,” said Quiring. Before council finally voted to approve the rezoning application, Councillor Juliette Cunningham put it perhaps most eloquently. “Change isn’t easy. It can be upsetting at first. We’re trying to attract young families to this community. I do think there are serious concerns about 20 Street parking, and I can only imagine what it’s like living there. But sometimes we have to make difficult decisions. Sometime there are winners and losers.”