A contentious five-storey, waterfront development has passed second and third readings with one amendment added at Sechelt council Wednesday night.
Following careful discussion of an amendment that will ensure zoning for the greater than three-storey building will be site specific, Pacific Spirit Properties Development, located on Teredo Street across from the Driftwood Inn, passed council's vote.
Mayor Cam Reid had his corporate officer and planning director carefully word and double-check wording of the amendment before council voted to pass it.
"I don't want to provide an opportunity for another legal challenge," Reid said.
In September 2007, the last time the development moved to this stage, a legal challenge over wording during the process brought forth by residents Alice and Hudson Janisch halted development and the process had to begin anew. Council was being extra conscientious this time around, as they moved through the legalese.
During discussions, Coun. Keith Thirkell reminded the public, which included about 40 viewers in the gallery, that the original proposal, while fitting into the current height restriction of the village, was mall-like with no open space, whereas now the developer has worked hard to meet the needs of the community. The five-storey plan includes considerable open, public space on the waterfront.
Thirkell added the design would be a "shot in the arm" to the downtown with a "walk and shop" concept that would bring people into the village in greater numbers.
Coun. Darren Inkster agreed with Thirkell saying, "You can't have a village without villagers." Coun. Mike Shanks addressed some of the questions and comments that came forward during the public hearing in June. He said the Beachhouse was built in 1997/98, not 2003 as many believe, and that the official community plan and zoning bylaw for three storeys came into effect after its construction.
Shanks went on to challenge a recurring statement made about a 700-person petition against the development. He said the petition came forward on an original proposal of two six-storey structures, not the current design that is on the table for discussion.
Shanks also said it appeared community associations were working together to further their individual agendas and to try to alter the course of various development projects in the District.
"I am seeing more politics in the community than on town council itself," Shanks said.
Coun. Warren Allan was the only one opposed when votes were called for. He said he could not give his approval for the design when he felt that a good three-storey option that would meet the needs of the village had not been presented for consideration.
He did, however, vote in a unanimous motion that will allow staff to negotiate with the developer for the amenity contribution.
Pacific Spirit will now move ahead to fourth and final reading at a subsequent council meeting.
