Residents near a proposed six-home development on 92nd Avenue spoke out at a public hearing on Oct. 7. (Town of Osoyoos)

By Vanessa Broadbent

Osoyoos Times

Eighteen residents near a proposed townhome development on 92nd Avenue are hoping Osoyoos town council will reject the proposal.

At a public hearing regarding the proposal on Monday afternoon, council was presented with a petition from residents on Lambert Court, 92nd Avenue and Jubilee Drive.

The proposed zoning amendment would change the zoning at 9111 92nd Ave. from single-family residential to high-density residential, allowing for a strata development consisting of six single-storey townhomes.

“The applicant is proposing the modest six unit, single storey, development as it would fit well into the existing character of the neighbourhood,” senior planner Don McArthur said.

However, nearby residents spoke out against the development, citing concerns of increased traffic, removal of trees and groundwater levels.

In a letter to council, Lambert Court residents Rob Abbott and Felicia Taylor argued that the site is “sub-optimal,” and construction of the homes would disturb neighbours.

“We are going to be impacted by at least a year of construction noise, dust and fumes from laying down asphalt, roofing, etc. if this project should proceed. This will have a negative impact on ours and our neighbour’s health and well-being,” the letter states.

• Read more: Town getting new beach cleaner

Abbott also raised concerns about stormwater and groundwater levels at the property leading to flooding.

Town of Osoyoos staff will be requesting an onsite stormwater management plan to be submitted in order to address the topography of the property,” McArthur said.

Local realtor Eileen McGinn was the sole voice of support for the development, saying that the development addresses a need for single-storey residences in town.

“Our community is aging,” she said. “The biggest demand for product in this community is a lot of seniors are moving out of their big homes and looking for something with entry level.”

Not in attendance, property owner and developer Richard Voigt defended the development in a letter to council.

“My wife and I wanted to retire to Osoyoos and felt that this property offered an opportunity to develop a one-level low-impact town house project which would not only appeal to ourselves, but other seniors wanting to retire and the general public at large who only wanted to purchase new construction.”

The application will come back to council for third reading and approval at a future meeting.