Edmonton Journal

Owner says ‘political red tape’ obstructin­g plans for new deli

- GORDON KENT gkent@postmedia.com

The owner of a Forest Heights pub fighting parking concerns that have stopped her from opening a new deli says she’s frustrated with the city’s handling of the case.

“There’s a lot of campaigns around Make Something Edmonton, that Edmonton is a great place to take risks,” Katy Ingraham told a subdivisio­n and developmen­t appeal board hearing Thursday.

“It’s very, very difficult to take a risk in this city. I’m good at pouring beer and creating an experience for my customers. I’m not good at being mired in controvers­y and a lot of political red tape I don’t understand.”

Ingraham started Cartago last summer at 8204 106 Ave. and applied in October to launch Fleisch Delikatess­en next door.

Both facilities hope to attract guests coming on foot, bicycle or public transit.

Edmonton’s transporta­tion officials initially approved the proposal, which included a relaxation of parking requiremen­ts as part of city council’s push to create vibrant, mixed-use communitie­s.

However, they changed their minds a week later after hearing complaints from nearby residents about the extra parking pressure.

Ingraham is appealing the decision by the city, which she said has pitted her against her neighbours rather than dealing with legitimate concerns about speeding and illegal U-turns by people looking for street parking.

“It’s a cautionary tale, because it’s not easy to open a business in Edmonton, especially a small, independen­t business,” she said in a later interview, adding she has received more than 600 letters of support for her planned 30-seat deli and coffee shop.

“To have staked our financial future in the community on this project and have it based on parking, that’s scary.”

The appeal board is expected to provide a written decision within two weeks.

One issue is the way parking requiremen­ts are calculated. A city developmen­t officer concluded the two eateries and 27 apartment homes overhead are deficient by 42 stalls, but under a newer bylaw the site is only short 18 parking spaces.

Residents of 82 Street around the corner from Cartago told the hearing their road is already lined with customer vehicles, and dangerous drivers make them feel unsafe.

“We used to live on a nice, quiet street. This house has been in our family since the 1950s,” Ken Hanasyk said.

“We have people who are inconsider­ate, we have the safety concern. It has affected our overall quality of life.”

The street and adjoining Rowland Road has been at capacity since the pub opened, Dean Jaster said.

“We love the idea of a deli, an ice-cream place we can take the kids … We like the idea of people walking there or riding their bikes. Unfortunat­ely, we live in Alberta and most people drive.”

 ??  ?? Katy Ingraham
Katy Ingraham

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