Where will the Assisted Living Residence go?
Jerry Albo wonders why an OCP zoning amendment would be entertained for setting an 84-unit Assisted Living Seniors Residence in the middle of a Single Family Residential neighbourhood.
Albo addressed council at the November 7 meeting and spoke about that proposal in particular, and the OCP process in general,
The concept for assisted living residences for seniors is not the question to be addressed. It is a motherhood issue and one that we should all support. The question is, why this location? Albo said.
When a developer comes to town and buys a piece of land, he or she can develop it according to the Osoyoos community plan and the zoning bylaw. How then, does a developer buy the property and come up with this massive development idea for this property? Who has indicated that rezoning of this property wouldn't be a problem?rnMy understanding of the purpose of zoning was to prevent overcrowding of land, preserve valued view sheds, protect property values, encourage respect for already existing residents, and to establish minimum standards for health, safety, convenience and the welfare of the public, Albo said. He went on to list several problems with the property, including the narrow and restricted access to Nighthawk Drive and increased traffic off Swan Crescent, where the parking area has been designated.
Albo also addressed what he sees as a flawed process of OCP and Zoning interpretations, and the belief that zoning implementation is not followed.
It is not automatic that all proposals go to council. If it isn't in the OCP and it doesn't fit, it needs to be abandoned. Why waste the developer's money, time and effort on it? Development is necessary to help a town grow and prosper. However, it needs to be planned in light of the safeguards in the OCP, the Municipal Act and zoning guidelines.rnAlbo is also frustrated by what he sees as a lack of communication, noting that the first residents heard about this was at the October 3 council meeting, although the developer's application was submitted April 4.
I would think that effective communications, integrity, respect and other lofty values would be the guiding principles under which the council carries out the town's business. Surely getting information out to the public is in need of improvement.rnAlbo suggested it might be in order to put any further major changes to the OCP on hold until the new document is updated.
