After debate and a public hearing, a proposed Main Street affordable housing project will be allowed to present a plan for a five-storey building.
Council approved the contentious amendment to the city’s zoning bylaw and official community plan in a 3-2 vote on Dec. 7.
READ MORE: Penticton council to weigh allowing five-storey affordable housing development
The variance would allow the building on the property to be five-stories and 17.5m tall, instead of the designated three-stories and 15m height in the zoning bylaw and OCP.
M’akola Housing Society still has to bring its plans to the city for a development permit, which can still be denied by the city and council at that time.
Councillors Julius Bloomfield, Campbell Watt and Frank Regehr voted in favour, with councillors Judy Sentes and Katie Robinson opposed. Mayor John Vassilaki recused himself from the matter due to a conflict of interest.
READ MORE: Opposing opinions aired about affordable housing project on Penticton’s Main Street
At the public hearing on Dec. 7, residents aired opposition and support for the project, including concerns from the Downtown Penticton Association and support from the South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS).
The commercial space on the ground floor of the proposed building would be used in part for a regional office for the M’akola Housing Society as well as for a new office for SOWINS.
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
<>@PentictonNews
newstips@pentictonwesternnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.