Peachland council has moved forward with a 21-unit townhome development planned for land at the intersection of Somerset and Princeton avenues.
Concerns were raised that the entrance to the development may be too close to the intersection due to the steepness of Somerset coming off of and approaching Princeton.
Coun. Doug Collins suggested the entrance be moved further up Somerset.
“Work with the district to pop a road that would connect Somerset down over to the bottom of Columbia,” he added.
Staff told council there will be improvements to the intersection with the development, including multi-use pathways on Princeton and Somerset.
Coun. Alena Glasman was also concerned about the placement of the entrance and that the developer could make the intersection safer.
“I know there has been a lot of chatter in the community and I know there a lot of people whose imaginations are a bit challenged to understand how that corner is going to be made safer.”
Staff told council it had no objection to the entrance location and that public outreach could be done to inform residents of the changes and safety improvements.
Four comments were received from neighbours about the project. One was in support, and the others raised concerns about the height of buildings, obstruction of views, traffic and urban sprawl.
The developer has requested a 1.2 metre variance for one building which is currently proposed at 11 metres in height.
Staff noted the visual impact would be negligible.
The developer, which owns two adjacent lots to the project, is planning to break ground in spring.
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