Courtenay council has delayed a decision about a rezoning application at a Thorpe Avenue property until clarifying the intentions of the owners — who may have second thoughts about adding a secondary suite to the house, according to a mortgage consultant.
In light of opposition expressed by attendees at a public hearing Tuesday, Mackenzie Gartside suggested Dan and Lisa Klco are not expecting their application to proceed. The military couple live on the East Coast. Their Courtenay house is located at 1648 Thorpe Ave. near Valley View Drive.
Lawyer R.J. Swift urged council to vote against the application because 30-some residents do not want the form and character of their neighbourhood negatively impacted by noise and higher densification. He also said a rezoning could set a precedent in terms of money in the pockets of absentee landlords without consideration of the neighbourhood.
Gartside said the Klcos plan to return to the Valley. If the couple can garner additional income by renting the basement, they will help maintain the property.
Finch Place resident Terry Hodge isn't buying it. During daily walks, the retired Hodge said the property has been neglected since spring.
"I would speak against this process," said Hodge, who opposes the idea of "spot zoning."
Coun. Doug Hillian was confused by Gartside's submission, saying it lacked conviction.
Council was to revisit the item at Monday's meeting.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com