A Steelhead resident who wants to rezone 80 acres of his property for development is amending his proposal from 65 lots to 32.
Dean Hodgson says he is making the change after listening to neighbours’ concerns.
The proposed lots would be larger than two acres, and he would bring in water lines and work with Telus to provide high-speed Internet for the area.
The two parcel, 80-acre properties are currently zoned for rural development (four-acre lot minimum), and the new proposal for rural residential would require an amendment to the Official Community Plan, but is keeping with the rural density numbers. The properties are located on Thomas Avenue, just off of Cardinal Street, along with adjacent lots also zoned rural residential.
The change alleviates many district staff concerns, said OTG Development Concepts’ Ryan Anderson, who is working with Hodgson on the project. He hopes it’s something his community can support too.
By constructing water lines and connecting to the district’s resources, the new homes would not tap into the aquifer and would allow homeowners along the line to tap in as well, Anderson added.
Hodgson will also leave a tree buffer so his current neighbours will have privacy.
Christina Hart is one of Hodgson’s neighbours who told council Monday night that she would like to see the proposed development “respect and preserve the character of Mission’s mountain gem” and “keep within the guidelines of the OCP.”
She also handed council a petition with more than 150 signatures opposing the original development proposal.
The other concerns she expressed included an increase traffic, noise, risk of forest fires and endangering wildlife and environmentally sensitive areas.
Hodgson says he would like to speak with Hart about her concerns.
Hodgson lived in Silverdale for 10 years before moving to Steelhead a few years ago, and he has plans to stay in Steelhead after his properties are subdivided.
Mission’s deputy director of development services, Barclay Pitkethly, confirmed the application is being amended and will be presented to council when the new plan is submitted.
