Quesnel City Council is pumping the brakes on a development permit application for a new apartment building.
The proposal is to convert a commercial building into a new 17-unit residential apartment at 668 Doherty Drive in West Quesnel.
Council unanimously approved second reading but held off on third reading due to some parking concerns.
The proponent is also seeking a variance reducing the parking stalls to just three units.
Tanya Turner, the Director of Development Services, noted that “the owner has committed to entering into a rental agreement that advises tenants that parking is not provided.”
She added that the proposal is for small units that are intended to attract individuals without vehicles.
Councillor Scott Elliott was among those who expressed some concerns over that.
“It seems a little challenging if people do have vehicles and they’re going to have to park somewhere. We’re seeing a lot of push back about the parking, there is 9 individuals that are opposed in that area. I am wondering if it would be appropriate at this time to ask for a report to come back from staff concerning the parking.”
The opposition was raised in the form of letters during a public hearing prior to last (Tuesday) night’s Council meeting.
Councillor Mitch Vik also had some questions.
“I guess my follow up would be what beyond the applicant’s commitment to ensuring that those without vehicles are renting these units, what teeth do residents have and people living in the vicinity, what teeth do they have through bylaw to help enforce no parking on public streets ?”
That too will now be part of a report that will come back to Council.
