Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Rising from the ashes

By Kate Bouey - CASTANET Jul 12, 2016 / 5:00 am
Plans for another apartment building on hospital hill, just south of VJH on 31A Street, have narrowly won support in principle from Vernon city council. City staff had recommended the plan for a 42-unit building be rejected in favour of the current Official Community Plan land use designation which would have included commercial space. In Feb. 2011, fire engulfed a 30-unit apartment building on that same site, forcing 52 residents to flee. Damage was so great the building had to be knocked down. “I can't see any reason to not approve the application (from the developer),” said Coun. Catherine Lord, questioning what services were needed in the area. “You've got the hospital right there. There's a store across the street. “I can't see putting a stop to this.” “This is so close to the downtown,” said Mayor Akbal Mund. “There is a lot of commercial (activity) in a five-minute walk down the hill...or a one-minute drive.” Coun. Juliette Cunningham supported the staff recommendation. “If we are serious about creating neighbourhoods then you have commercial (space) in those neighbourhoods,” said Cunningham. “If somebody needs something then they don't have to get in their car.” Only six on council voted on the issue which ended in a tie. However the matter moves on for public consultation before returning to city council.

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