Courtenay council is looking forward to hearing from neighbouring residents about a proposed multi-residential project on Piercy Avenue.
Council received an application for a development permit Monday that would allow construction of a 10-unit multi-residential project at 1620 Piercy Ave.
The project being proposed by L&M Ventures Ltd. includes two fourplex buildings and one duplex building accessed off an internal roadway, and unit sizes range from about 120 square metres to 160 square metres in a mix of two- and three-bedroom units.
Each unit has a private outdoor space, including lawn and patio screened by a combination of privacy fencing and landscaping.
Bob Hudson of McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. told council about the project Monday.
"The applicant has worked with the City of Courtenay staff to develop a layout that fits with the neighbourhood," he said. "It's not competing with the existing character, and it's providing an increase in density close to the downtown core."
The target selling point is about $250,000, according to Hudson.
The one-acre property previously had a single residential dwelling on it, but it has been removed. It is zoned Residential Three and is within the Multi-Residential Development Permit Area.
There are several other multi-residential developments in this area.
City staff is supportive of the application.
"It is staff's opinion that the proposed infill development makes good use of the site and location with a design that is sensitive to adjacent properties and makes a positive contribution to the neighbourhood," planning technician Erin Ferguson and Peter Crawford, the city's director of planning services, wrote in their report to council.
Coun. Larry Jangula was eager to hear from the neighbourhood about the proposal, as was Coun. Doug Hillian.
"It strikes me this is another example of infill development," said Hillian. "I'd certainly like to hear from the neighbourhood any comments they might have about this. It always strikes me when people are prepared to embark on developments such as this that suggests a certain optimism about the health of the community and the fact if they build these houses, people will actually purchase them and live in them. Subject to what we may hear from the neighbourhood, I support this."
Coun. Murray Presley was also supportive.
"This infilling is what we desire within the City of Courtenay," he said. "This is an attractive design. It appears to be affordable housing. I think this is a good development, and I hope the neighbours do approve."
Notice will be given to adjacent property owners of the proposed development permit with variances to reduce the minimum setbacks, and the application will return to council May 16.
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