Council will hear a new proposal for 435 Green Ave W at their upcoming meeting scheduled for May 3. The new applicant is proposing an 84-unit strata townhouse development, consisting of 44 two-bedroom units and 40 three-bedroom units split into ten buildings ranging in height from two- to three-storeys. A previous proposal from a different developer, which proposed an apartment development consisting of 130 units split between one four-storey building and one six-storey building, was denied by Council based on concerns from area residents about density and height.
“The applicant has heard the feedback from the community about the earlier proposal and has put forward a plan that provides much-needed housing while reducing the potential impacts felt by area residents,” said the City’s Planning and Licensing Manager Audrey Tanguay. “The proposed townhouse development features lower buildings which create a transition in scale and density within the existing area.”
An amendment of the Official Community Plan to change the future land use of the property from Detached Residential to Ground Oriented Residential is required to allow this new proposal to proceed. A rezoning application has also been submitted to change the zoning from R2 (Small Lot Residential) to RM2 (Low Density Multiple Housing).
Recognizing the recent engagement that has been conducted to understand the community’s views about development of this parcel, staff are recommending Council give first reading to the bylaw to amend the OCP prior to conducting engagement on the new proposal. If Council endorses this recommendation, the community engagement procedure and statutory review process will be initiated to involve the public. Activities and dates will be shared once confirmed. This will include the creation of a website on shapeyourcitypenticton.ca, letters to residents, site signage, information sessions and a public hearing.
Following this process, should the OCP amendment, rezoning, and development permit be approved, a Riparian and Environmental Development Permit will be required prior to any building permits being issued or works occurring on the property. Staff will work directly with the applicant and their environmental professional to review and issue the riparian and environmental development permit. The riparian and environmental assessment report has been received and will be available for public review through the engagement period.
Copies of the proposal are included with the staff report as part of the agenda package for the May 3rd Council Meeting on penticton.ca.