Written by Peter McIntyre Monday, 27 May 2013 17:33
A Vernon housing complex has been allowed to move ahead, despite the objections of nearby residents. Council granted a variance to MQN Architects (on behalf of B.C. Ltd)
to increase from 2.5 to 3 storeys, for a 28 unit development in at 5750
Bella Vista Road. Rose Pollack -- who lives nearby-- says it will impact her view, and lower her property's value. "I've been in my house for 45 years. I'm going to die in that place
and I'm fine with that, but my view will be curtailed and because my
house is that old, my value is in my land," she told Kiss FM. Sandra Thompson -- who lives on Heritage Drive-- was frustrated with
council's decision after stating concerns about parking, and the bright
red color of the building. "This council didn't even listened to what we had to say. They did not address some of our concerns." Pollack also feels the okra colour won't fit in. "These are choice lots (in that area) and they're going to put this
butt ugly thing right in the middle. It will look like a community
centre." Darrin Collie from MQN says the extra height won't affect views and
says the project --including the colour-- have been well received. "We've made a conscious effort to blend it into the hillside," he told council. Collie also says they're exceeding the parking requirements, adding
the units are aimed at younger families getting into the market. Council's decision was unanimous but councillor Patrick Nicol says it was a tough call for him. "The 2.5 to the 3 storeys, I didn't think the developer was very
clear as to why, but I think it was to improve the profitability of the
project which you can't blame anyone for, but the height of it is less
than it would have been with the 30 single family residential. That has
been the direction and that's the challenge with official community
plans that not everyone knows what is planned in the OCP, particularly
residential home owners," says Nicol.
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