A proposed development on Jensen Avenue across from the fire hall has a number of potential neighbours concerned.
Representatives of the Legion, the SOS Thrift Shop, a nearby church and others asked Parksville city council on Monday to think about the ramifications of the variances requested by the developers, who want to construct a four-storey, commercial/residential building with 19 living units and retail shops on the ground floor.
While the property is zoned for such a building, the developers are asking for variances related to parking, a loading space and setbacks. All access to the building — for residents, visitors, customers for the shops and any deliveries — would be from the lane behind Jensen, if the variances are permitted.
That lane is already busy with traffic from the Legion, the SOS Thrift Shop, the Rod and Gun and two churches, said people who spoke to council about the variances. What’s more, the lane’s only public access is from the Alberni Highway, close to the intersection of the highway and Jensen Avenue.
“It (traffic) is already what we consider precarious at times,” said SOS executive director Renate Sutherland. “The possibility of potentially adding 23 more vehicles to that laneway would be dangerous.”
Sutherland and Legion president Sue Hodges said they were not notified by the city about the variances.
“I hope council would give more thought to the traffic,” said Hodges, adding that drivers already cut through the Legion parking lot from the lane to access Hirst Avenue.
Other speakers — the council chambers gallery was packed with people concerned about this item on the agenda — raised the issue of the crosswalk on Jensen.
A four-storey building with no setback from Jensen would limit sight lines and make that crosswalk dangerous, said a number of residents.
The variances were on council’s agenda for approval on Monday night, but council instead referred the matter back to staff for further information.
