Prince Rupert Living Concepts is one step closer to making its proposed condominium development at the end of Graham Ave. a reality after council voted to rezone the land in question.
However, those living in the area do have concerns about what the three-story, 11 unit complex means for the area. In speaking to council during the public hearing on the matter, city planner Zeno Krekic said he had one person very opposed to the project due to traffic concerns and another opposed due to issues surrounding the impact to water pressure in the area, the sewer capacity of the area and increased traffic.
While Krekic said the engineering department had confirmed adequate water pressure and sewer capacity to support the additional residents, some of those sentiments were echoed by resident Helen Moore, who spoke with a number of her neighbour about the idea.
“If the proposal was to go ahead, traffic is certainly the biggest concern … some have suggested making Graham a 30 kilometre per hour zone, others thought there should be a stop sign at Van Arsdol and 17th Street and some have suggested speed bumps,” she told council, noting reaction to the proposal was mixed among those she spoke to.
“If the proposal was to go through, either the city or the developer needs to be taken to task to ensure traffic safety is addressed.”
But with the condominiums proposed for seniors and those with disabilities, project manager Kevin Newton said he didn’t foresee much of an increase in the number of vehicles making their way up and down the street throughout the day.
“The majority of seniors will go to one place and stay there because getting up and down and moving around a lot can be a challenge,” he said.
“Going downtown and back four or five times per day is unlikely to happen with the seniors living there.”
Prince Rupert Living Concepts still needs to apply for a subdivision permit, but a building permit associated with the site estimates the value of construction to be $5 million.
