Plans to build a duplex in Riverdale may be quashed.
City administration has recommended an amendment to build a duplex at 2 Aishihik Rd. be defeated when it goes for second reading on Monday.
In October, George Clarke applied to turn his one-storey house on the corner of Aishihik Road and Alsek Road into a two-storey duplex. He also wanted another parking space on his property. But under current zoning bylaws, his property is too small for a duplex. He wanted an exemption.
Clarke wants to turn his house into a duplex so family members can live there.
The bylaw passed first reading on Nov. 26, but public response to the project was mainly negative. At a public hearing last week, two residents voiced their concerns with the project. One of those was Coun. Dave Stockdale who, in a rare move, took to the citizen’s chair to voice his disapproval.
“It doesn’t fit into the neighbourhood,” said the veteran city politician, who has lived on Alsek Road since 1972. He worried the decision could set a precedent.
“How can you refuse someone else who comes and says something like this?” he asked council. “There’s just no way. It’s just totally out of whack. And you cannot approve this zoning subdivision.” Approving this change could be one of the worst decisions council could make, he said in an interview last week.
Stockdale was the only one to vote against the bylaw in November.
Other residents were also opposed. Four of the five written responses were negative. Residents were mainly concerned this decision would lead to more developments that could increase the traffic and noise in the neighbourhood.
City administration wants the bylaw defeated because the property is not large enough for a duplex. A living or garden suite could be built on the site without a zoning amendment, the planning report says.
The amendment will go for second reading on Monday. If council decides to pass it, it could receive third and final reading that night.
Clarke did not attend council on Monday, but he plans to be at this coming meeting, he said.
(Meagan Gillmore)