A development permit application for a topsoil operation has reappeared before Comox council, which delayed the application until town staff can report back with more information about hours of operation.
Last month, in a 3-3 ‘non-decision vote’ before a packed house, council turned down John Watt’s application that proposes retail and outdoor storage of topsoil, finished compost and bark mulch, and construction of a covered fuel facility at 1660 Knight Rd.
On Wednesday, council faced another packed house of supporters and detractors.
Stuart Swain, a nearby resident whose son is employed at Watt’s Island Enterprises operation on Knight Road near the airport, spoke in favour of small businesses that contribute to the health of the economy.
“We need work in the Valley,” said Tyler Wilton, who works for Watt.
But area residents said they do not need the noise and smell they fear will come with Watt’s business.
Teresa Hoerburger spoke on behalf of 55 residents opposed to piles of dirt, screening, grinding and blitz hauling.
“We are not opposed to development, but there needs to be compromise where we can all live and work,” she said.
If council allows the business to proceed, Don McQueen said he will seek compensation if his quality of life is affected.
“Who do I phone when there is a problem?” he said.
But if council rejects the application, those who rely on Watt’s business will suffer. Peter Harriss, who operates a gardening company in Comox, said his 120 clients would have to pay more money to shop elsewhere.
Not much has changed since December’s application, other than an updated noise impact assessment. Some of the issues involve the size of the buffer between the business and residences to the west, and the height variances of a berm along the north property line.
If council allows the business to proceed, no materials stored outside can exceed a height of 2.5 metres. Also, the height of the berm adjacent to the west property line must be increased to 4.5 metres.
Watt said his business will not yield the same amount of truck traffic as Art Knapps, which he said draws 100,000 vehicles in a year.
“I’m willing to work with neighbours to make this compatible,” he said.
His operation, he added, would be hampered if Saturdays were taken away, in response to a suggestion from Coun. Patti Fletcher about minimizing product brought in on Saturdays.
Council voted 3-2 in favour of Fletcher’s motion to direct staff to report back with information about amending the business bylaw regarding hours of operation, as related to a business licence.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
