Council sides with neighbours on parking issue

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 12, 2016 at 6:00 AM— updated Apr 12, 2016 at 7:10 AM
The City of Vernon won’t budge from its parking regulations for a proposed spa. Council refused to approve a variance from seven to five parking spaces for a health and wellness spa at 3701 27th St. after neighbours expressed significant concerns Monday. “The applicant will have to assess if it’s still a viable project if they have to create two spots,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. Coun. Scott Anderson insisted that vehicles from the spa may spill over on to 37th Avenue. “If there are employees and customers, they are going to need more parking spaces than five,” he said. Twenty-three people attended the public hearing Monday and a 29-signature petition registering concerns about the development was received. “We’re not opposed to a business but we’re concerned about the scope of the business on this small lot and the fact that there’s so little parking,” said Jeff Moore, neighbourhood spokesperson. “There has been no traffic study done in conjunction with this proposal.” Concerns also came from Dr. Noah Massa, who recently opened a medical clinic in the area. “This is an aggressive development for such a small lot,” he said. “This proposal needs another lot for parking.” However, the property owner defended the proposed 3,560-square-foot building and the requested reduction in parking. “We looked at options for parking,” said Rod Pleasance, adding that underground parking is not feasible. Pleasance says public parking lots are a short distance away. “We are encouraging staff and clients to use other modes of transportation.” Jay Gillman, with MQN Architects, told council that other businesses in the area have been granted parking variances. “We’ve provided as much parking as we can.” In the end, council gave third reading to rezoning the property from residential to commercial, and variances for setbacks. Mayor Akbal Mund and Coun. Dalvir Nahal were absent and Coun. Brian Quiring declared a conflict of interest as he owns MQN Architects.