Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Oliver Town Council has given the green light to two housing proposals to go to public hearing on March 27.
The first is a zoning amendment to allow the residential conversion of the United Church property at 511 and 545 Church Avenue.
The developer is proposing to build rental apartments on the first and second floor while allowing worship services to continue in the sanctuary portion of the second floor.
The second phase of the project will see a four-unit townhouse project on the neighbouring property.
Councillor Dave Mattes said he totally supports the plan, noting he sees the increased densification of this area good for Oliver. He requested that a sidewalk be installed on Church Avenue. “There is a sidewalk on one side but I would like to see it come around the corner and go along Church Avenue.”
Mattes also requested that the alley between both properties be paved as part of the development.
Randy Houle, Director of Development Services, said paving this lane would cause drainage issues but he noted that will be addressed at the building permit stage.
Councillor Aimee Grice said this will be a creative infill project but raised a question about adequate parking for church users and new apartment dwellers. Houle said church-goers will use the street and residents will have designated spaces to park.
Fellow Coun. Petra Veintimilla stated she supported this “fabulous proposal,” adding it is absolutely the type of infill that Oliver is looking for.
Mayor Martin Johansen said he was excited to see this move forward due to the community’s need for affordable housing. “Rental housing is badly needed in this town.”
Council acknowledged Mattes’ requests for alley paving and the installation of a proper sidewalk on the north side of 511 Church Avenue.
The second zoning amendment going to public hearing is the proposed duplex development at 5791 Sawmill Road, where a revised nine-lot subdivision is planned.
Council originally denied first and second reading with a design featuring eight duplex lots and one larger agricultural lot, all accessed from a single cul-de-sac.
This plan prompted concerns from members of council, two of whom feared the development may turn into a “slum.”
The applicant is now proposing the subdivision with a longer entrance road and cul-de-sac. The front portion is comprised of seven, two-storey duplex parcels and one single family parcel. The rear portion comprises of a single, larger agricultural parcel.
Grice said the applicant did a great job coming back with a better plan. Veintimilla agreed, saying the proposal has improved.
Johansen said the improvements were enough to change his vote to the positive after he opposed the plan two weeks ago.
Shown here is the Sawmill Road property which is slated for development. A public hearing will be held on March 27.
(Contributed)
