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Vernon multi-density housing project applauded

Neighbour feels densification is “too greedy”
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The corner of Mission Hill Road and 16th Avenue where residential lot is proposed for new multi-family residential complex. Photo credit: Barry Gerding/Black Press

The evolving residential landscape of Vernon was at the heart of development variance permit for eight row housing units on two lots at the corner of Mission Road and 16th Avenue.

While a laneway neighbour of the property called the density housing design “greedy,” city council endorsed the project as an affordable housing options for local residents.

The proposal calls for a multi-unit development on what is currently five individual lots at 1601 and 1603 Mission Road.

The development will consist of one single detached unit fronting on Mission Road, and eight row-housing units contained within two four-plex buildings, all fronting on 16th Ave.

Related: Letter-Preserve farmland, higher density residential development recommended

Access to all the units would be from an existing laneway expanded to accommodate two-lane traffic flow and the garages would face north.

All the units are proposed to be 2.5 storeys high.

Concerns registered to Vernon city council Monday about the proposal concerned car exhaust fumes projected to the neighbouring residences, insufficient access from the upgraded laneway and lack of sidewalk requirements along 16th Avenue fronting the property.

“With the additional cars and access to these units for the laneway, it is going to be a nightmare,” said one resident.

“I feel too much density is being squeezed into this place. It looks greedy to me and the developer is saving $100,000 by not having to put in a sidewalk along 16th Avenue.”

But council was supportive of the proposal, Coun. Scott Anderson applauding the design concept, use laneway for access and that further sidewalk enhancements on the Mission Road side of the development will be forthcoming

Coun. Juliette Cunningham said row housing is relatively new concept to Vernon but it is the direction needed to provide affordable housing options.

“When you see change come it’s always a challenge. When you see a dramatic change, that’s not easy to deal with sometimes but in this case the developer has made an effort to minimize the impacts,” she said.

Coun. Brian Quiring said the project reflects great land use and smart growth, particularly being within walking distance of the downtown core.


 


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Barry Gerding

About the Author: Barry Gerding

Senior regional reporter for Black Press Media in the Okanagan. I have been a journalist in the B.C. community newspaper field for 37 years...
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