Low-income housing development proposal passes first hurdle
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily
City council gave an official blessing Monday night to the low-income housing project planned for the old Savoy Hotel at the end of Baker Street.
A motion was passed to begin preparation of bylaw to allow church use of the property and development of 17 bachelor suites, but also to vet the project through the City’s advisory planning commission to resolve some of the questions inherent in the proposal.
The City’s planning department had raised questions of the size of the units — 15 to 23 square metres — because they were significantly smaller than the permitted size of residential units in the core commercial C-1 zone, set at 35 sq. m.
As well, the total amenity space for the residential spaces was 43 sq. m. in the development, 127 sq. m. less than current bylaw requirements.
The Kootenay Christian Fellowship had applied to rezone 198 Baker St. to add church service to the building that once housed a hostel, two nightclubs and a licensed Mexican food restaurant.
However, at the time of application for zoning amendment, the proposal identified a request for the development of a “church” only.
“It was not until after the advisory planning commission reviewed the application that the City received drawings that articulated the size of the residential units and amenity space,” said City senior planner Dave Wahn in his report to council.
The APC had not reviewed the application with respect to the reduction of minimum residential size or the reduction in amenity area space.
In addition, the planning department asked the developer, Pastor Jim Reimer, to provide further examples of similar developments within the province and a detailed business plan that supported a successful development.
Although Wahn had recommended postponing the vote on the application until further information was received to give City council the complete picture, he was overruled.
Council decided to fast track the application and begin work on the bylaw amendment to allow church use and accommodate the size of the units in the C-1 zone, as well as the smaller amenity area.
However, council did concede in a secondary motion to refer the application to the APC for comment.
Pastor Reimer of the Kootenay Christian Fellowship has asked the City to waive associated fees for the development, including water and sewer.
Two public information meetings have been held on the proposal, but a public hearing pursuant to the Local Government Act will still have to be held.
