The applicant of the Meadows Drive housing proposal has not confirmed whether the development will cater to seniors or be open to families.
A 50-lot residential housing proposal for Meadows Drive has received third reading by Town council, but it’s still not clear if the development will be age restricted.
That was a concern mentioned during the public hearing on September 14.
Local resident Tom Szalay said the developer claims that the modular home project will provide affordable homes to new families.
“Unfortunately, most modular home parks end up being restricted to seniors only,” he pointed out.
Szalay suggested that the Town of Oliver expand its land use covenant to ensure the homes remain available to families, without age restrictions.
But Councillor Jack Bennest said he didn’t think council could restrict what owners can do with their properties. But he stated that restricting certain people from housing projects is “not right.” He added that he finds it hard to believe that the developer would not sell to families.
Mayor Ron Hovanes said it’s almost a human rights issue. He did point out that 50 new students have enrolled in Oliver schools this fall, resulting in the need for housing.
Brad Elenko, the agent for the developer, told the Chronicle that the property owners have not put their minds to the issue of age restrictions because they have only been focusing on getting the rezoning completed.
The proposal is to change the zoning from medium density (multi-family) to low density residential.
A covenant has been prepared to ensure the form and character of the homes in terms of foundation and roofing characteristics.
At the public hearing, Elenko wanted council to register the covenant after the rezoning is adopted rather than before, which would cause delays. He suggested a letter of undertaking from the owner’s solicitor.
In promoting the development, Elenko said it is consistent with the surrounding single family neighbourhood.
He also noted that the rezoning has been met with strong public support via letters and one open house.
Elenko said the subject lands have remained undeveloped for nearly 30 years due to the lack of demand for multi-family housing. He added that single family residential housing is in demand in Oliver, and the development will quickly generate construction jobs.
But Szalay wasn’t as excited as Elenko.
He said there has been a continued erosion of medium density opportunities in Oliver, and added that higher density is more appropriate closer to the town core.
Councillor Maureen Doerr agreed with Szalay that there shouldn’t be an age restriction in this development.
Fellow Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said the benefits of the plan outweigh the negatives.
Bennest said he didn’t like what happened to Meadows Drive several years ago when the developer cleared the lot of all the trees.
“But at least this is an application to do something (on the property). It would cover an eyesore.”
Elenko said he is anticipating that council will adopt the rezoning on September 28.
By Lyonel Doherty
