Council approves zoning changes for duplexes

Penticton city council has approved a zoning amendment for property at 380 White Ave. E. which will allow for two side-by-side duplexes, each with a basement suite.

“I believe it's wanted, it's needed, but parking will be an issue... we all know that,” developer Fred Trainor said at Tuesday's public hearing. Trainor compared the proposed project with his similar development on Ellis Street.

The large lot is located on the corner of White Avenue and Papineau Street. A stone wall that's currently on the property will remain, Trainor promised. Prior to coming to council, Trainor approached every resident within a 50-metre radius of the property, sharing his designs and seeking input.

The major objection is a variance to waive on-site parking for the four suites. The project will also require some yard setbacks.

“Time and again you're making modifications to the OCP (Official Community Plan) and it gets denser and denser,” neighbour Cynthia Magnus said. “Eight dwellings alone is well beyond the essence of the OCP. ”She also asked about garbage collection days. On a recycling week, there could be as many as 16 bins lined up near the curb.

Neighbour Dave West raised concerns about sunlight and livability.

Realtor Steve Thompson said the secondary suites are 500 square feet in size and could rent for the “very affordable ”price of $900 monthly. The duplexes, he said, could have a monthly mortgage payment as low as $1,300 for the owner.

“Let's get people into the market,” Thompson said.

Trainor doesn't expect parking to be an issue.

“A lot of people who want to live in the downtown don't want to have a car. It’s almost fashionable not to own a vehicle,” he said.

Council approved the variances by a 5-1 vote. Mayor Andrew Jakubeit was the lone dissenting vote. Coun. Judy Sentes was absent. The mayor expressed concerns about parking as well as the variance request which was “a little too extreme for my comfort zone.”