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Residents voice concerns on zoning amendment

In a public hearing at Monday’s meeting, Courtenay council heard from several residents concerned about a possible zoning amendment at 907 Fifth St. where Ocean View Enterprises proposes to construct building with three residential suites.

The vacant property at the corner of Fifth and Menzies was previously a warehouse that caught fire in 2008.

“I think supporting this amendment would be a mistake,” said Fifth Street resident Carol Nielsen, who feels a triplex would be inconsistent with the scale of the neighbourhood. Parking, she feels, would also be an issue.

Menzies Avenue resident Lisa Bognar and Fourth Street resident Nicole Bridges, both of whom live across from the proposed site, are also opposed.

“Parking really is a problem,” said Bridges, noting the single family flavour of the neighbourhood.

Fourth Street resident Derek Smith thinks council should be ashamed the proposed amendment has reached this stage. He feels parking is an issue and is certain the building will fill with renters, who could be “noisy people creating hassles in the neighbourhood.

“I urge all of you to vote this down,” said Smith, who suggested an amendment to make the site a single family lot.

Noel Chaboteaux, who has owned the building about 40 years, says on site parking is available for two tenants. Parking is also available in evenings on Menzies. He also notes the building — which is for sale, not for rent — is within walking distance of downtown.

“We’re trying to make affordable housing,” he said.

reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com