A three-storey townhouse development in front of Penticton’s lake-to-lake bike lane cleared the public-hearing hurdle Tuesday, May 2, following a 6-1 vote from council.
The six-unit project located at 924 Fairview Road was rejected by the city’s previous council in July 2022 because of concerns over parking and access to the building.
One of the votes in opposition to the development last summer was from then councillor and now mayor Julius Bloomfield, who said Tuesday he’s changed his mind and is ready to support the application.
“I very much appreciate the work that has been done by the architect and the owner in reducing the number of units and increasing the flexibility of the site,” Bloomfield said.
Bloomfield was joined by councillors Campbell Watt, Helena Konanz, Isaac Gilbert, Amelia Boultbee and Ryan Graham in supporting the project following the public hearing.
Coun. James Miller was opposed.
Last summer, it was a seven-unit plan but developers have since downsized the proposal.
Tuesday’s night public hearing featured general opposition toward the project, with building access and traffic among the concerns.
Its location, however, was praised by council thanks to its close proximately to schools, parks, shops and downtown amenities.
“This is encouraging people and families to live in a place where they can walk, bike and take other modes of transportation with amenities that are very close and that’s why I am very much in support of this project,” said Coun. Gilbert.
The proposed development consists of two, three-storey triplexes accessed from an internal driveway. Each unit has its own garage and yard space.
It can be seen on the east side of Fairview Road, just south of Martin Street/Fairview Road/Scott Avenue.
“With a bike lane right there and a bus stop nearby…I think it makes the property more valuable,” Coun. Watt added.
READ MORE: Townhouse development in front of Penticton’s bike lane sent to public hearing
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