Palcor trying again.
The second of two public hearings last Monday dealt with a proposed development and zoning amendment for the former walnut orchard on Lakeshore Drive.
The land area is 1.36 hectares (3.36 acres) and is currently zoned AG (Agriculture). Palcor Developments Limited is applying to have it rezoned to CD-5 (Comprehensive Development Zone).
The CD-5 Zone permits the following uses: hotel units, resort multiple family dwellings and multiple family dwellings.
Palcor President Rudy Loewen and architect Ray Letkeman explained what the project would look like.
The proposed three-storey development would include a pool and 112 condominum hotel units, consisting of 40 studio units, 52 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units.
There would also be a provision made for extra parking stalls, should the site include a restaurant (a permitted use under the definition of hotel) in the future.
Also at the Monday night hearing was Greg Henderson, of Hender-son Environmental, to explain the Riparian Area setback for the development. The setback was established at 15 metres.
Letkeman explained that the developer is proposing to configure the building in such a way so that it curves in on itself, thereby not appearing as a long block of buildings along Lakeshore Drive.
In doing this, we've roughly protected half of our frontage on Lakeshore Drive with views that can be seen from people driving or people walking on the pathway on Lakeshore Drive, Letkeman said.
Henderson, a professional hydrolo-gist, spoke next and explained what the riparian assessment involved.
He also said the developer has proposed returning the land back to a more natural vegetation type, return-ing some indigenous species back to the site. He added that sediment and erosion would be monitored before, during and after construction.
Henderson said he recommended the developer restrict access to the lake so people won't be going onto the property wherever they want to the lake. It's focussed to one particular area. He added that vegetative barriers would help channel people to one area of access.
Architect Ray Letkeman pointed out that as an alternative to the limited access to the lake, Palcor would provide a rest stop/viewing area with benches on the site.
Rudy Loewen read a letter from neighbour Mr. Andrews, who noted a few concerns about the development, which Loewen said were going to be addressed.
The floor was opened up to comments from the audience. Most of the 12 speakers were in support of the proposed development, including four people currently or previously employed by Palcor, and two business owners who would derive a benefit from the development.
In the agenda package were 14 letters of support, many of those from Palcor employees.
Others spoke against the development, citing that development right on the shoreline is not the best location, and specifically citing the lack of a public park or beach anywhere along Lakeshore Drive.
Former RDOS Area A Director Eike Scheffler said he admires Palcor but suggested that they should consider paying an environmental levy to help save Osoyoos Lake.
I like what Palcor is doing, but we need to look after the lake properly.
The bigger develo-pers like Palcor should do the right thing. An environmental levy would put money aside for the future health of the lake, Scheffler said.
Council may review the public hearing and give second and third readings to the application at the December 19 council meeting.
