By Times Chronicle Staff
The developer of the proposed residential conversion plan for Church Avenue in Oliver says the new tenants won’t be a problem in the community.
During the March 27 public hearing on the zoning amendment for 511 and 545 Church Avenue, a spokesperson for Rogers Management Group from Abbotsford said they will “work hard” to avoid problem tenants.
“This will be proposed market rental housing, not subsidized housing or drug addict housing,” said Cameron Rogers, who stressed the development won’t lead to increased crime in the neighbourhood.
The conversion of Oliver United Church to a residential property will see rental apartments on the first and second floor, with a small portion left over for the continuation of church services.
The second phase of the development at 545 Church Avenue (behind the church) will see a four-unit townhouse with more rentals.
Rogers said parking won’t be an issue, noting there will be adequate space for that.
During public question period, Director of Development Services Randy Houle said the townhouse development will be required to have visitor parking. Rogers confirmed that, saying the development won’t have an impact on street parking.
After council gave third reading to that bylaw, councilor Petra Veintimilla said people often have concerns about rental housing but noted she is taking the developer “at face value” when he says they will work hard to avoid problems.
Mayor Martin Johansen said he is excited to see more rental housing coming to Oliver.
Another public hearing was held that evening focusing on 5791 Sawmill Road, the subject of another zoning amendment to allow for a nine-lot subdivision.
This development will see seven duplex parcels with one single family and one agricultural parcel on the property.
Councilor Dave Mattes commended the developer for coming back with a good revised plan to address council’s initial concerns about design.
