Residents of Rhum & Eigg Drive are concerned about plans to build a 4,700 sq ft duplex to replace an existing single family home that has reached the end of its life span.
About 12 people attended the second public hearing on the project on Tuesday (June 9). After the first public hearing, the proponent was asked to confer with neighbours and bring back a smaller footprint. The applicant originally proposed a 5,252 sq ft duplex.
Three letters and a petition were received opposing the project, and the majority of neighbours at council spoke against the rezoning, which would allow for the duplex. In a letter to the district, Susan Edwards said the project has the potential of altering the character of the entire neighbourhood.
Resident Tatiana Kostiuk, who lives in another duplex on Rhum & Eigg Drive, said "spot zoning" for a mega duplex opens a can of worms. She said the large footprint of the proposed building is out of place with the character street.
"This would compromise the character and value of my property and I don't think it is fair or reasonable to try and blend those things," Kostiuk said. "I bought on my street because of the character and there are plenty of other lots in town."
Resident Glen Homes was among four residents who spoke in opposition to the project. Holmes said he actually polled his neighbours in regards to the rezoning.
"Some people felt the footprint was too large and several people said they did not want to see a duplex," Holmes said. "I don't know if any consultation has occurred in the last year."
Nicole Dean, one of the proponents, said a cracked foundation on the original house sparked the idea to build a duplex.
"I would be one of the homeowners in the new duplex and I spoke to 23 other homeowners in the neighbourhood who said a duplex would be a nice addition instead of a dumpy old house," Dean said.
Dean said she also polled neighbours hours before the public hearing with success. She said she has no intention of building a monster home.
After receiving many comments in opposition, resident Jim Neudorf said he supports the development.
"I feel like there has been a public consultation process and I want to say something in the affirmative," Neudorf said.
Council will take all comments into account and make a decision regarding the project at a future council meeting.
Getting green
A rezoning application for 37738 Third Avenue to bring the property in alignment with the draft Downtown Neighbourhood Plan has received positive feedback.
While no one from the public attended the public hearing on Tuesday (June 9), one letter was received in support of the rezoning. The project is currently zoned light industrial.
The rezoning would see the property become industrial general, which would allow for residential, business mercantile and artisan type uses. The land is flat and has no significant vegetation.
According to a staff report, Jay Clarke has proposed the wholesale renovation of the existing industrial building at 37738 Third Avenue to convert it into a facility that can accommodate office functions, storage and workshop as well as the addition of commercial, office and residential uses.
Recognizing that the greenest step in the redevelopment process is the active reuse of the current building, Clarke said he agreed to utilize best practice in the renovation and reconstruction effort.
"I would like to thank staff for their assistance in making this an environmentally friendly project and enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint by 50 per cent." Clarke said.
The best practices steps include the use of low VOC paints, certified wood products, fully programmable thermostats, the use of low flow fixtures throughout the development and the sourcing of local materials, suppliers and trades to reduce transportation costs and the impact of the project on the environment.
Council will decide on the rezoning at a future council meeting.
Torch relay may be celebrated
Squamish will celebrate the passing of the 2010 Olympic Torch in style if a $15,000 grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage is approved.
Nearly 200 communities across Canada will have the opportunity to gather and participate in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay community celebrations. Council passed a motion authorizing the Bob Kusch, Director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, to submit a grant application.
The money would come from the Department of Canadian Heritage Celebration and Commemoration Program, which supports the organizing of activities to celebrate the passing of the 2010 Olympic Torch.
