Bylaw amendments that would rezone three Vidal Street properties to permit two townhouse developments met with opposition during a public hearing on the White Rock projects earlier this month.
Residents living near 1444, 1455 and 1465 Vidal St. told council Oct. 3 that the proposed projects raise concerns about traffic, street parking, the root systems of nearby trees and neighbour privacy.
Petitions submitted also note that both projects exceed permitted lot coverage and height restrictions for the zoning requested.
“If this goes ahead, they’ll almost be 30 feet over their back balcony… of the people that are living next door,” said one man, referring to the two-lot project.
At 1444 Vidal, proponents are seeking to build a five-unit townhouse complex. An eight-unit project is proposed for the other two lots. All three lots are currently zoned one-unit residential.
In explaining the projects, Paul Stanton, the city’s director of development services, noted both are proposed to have fewer units per acre than allowed by the new zoning, should the amendments be approved.
Neighbour Jill Cowan said she is concerned about traffic in the area, and suggested that if the 1444 Vidal St. proposal goes ahead, the city look at widening or straightening the corner of Vidal Street, where it turns onto Vine Avenue.
Cowan also noted a lack of street parking for visitors. She cited similar concerns regarding the complex proposed for 1455 and 1465 Vidal St., and noted the city needs to consider whether it can accommodate the additional drain on services.
“I understand we have to have progress, but we also have to have infrastructure,” she said.
Architect Gerry Blonski spoke to both of the projects. Citing a pressure in White Rock to expand, Blonski described the 1444 Vidal St. complex as “quite small compared to what was there before.”
It will also fit the character of the neighbourhood, Blonski said.
Regarding the larger project, Blonski agreed to take a closer look at two trees on a neighbouring property, to ensure they won’t be affected; as well, to address concerns about garbage collection for the complex, as it was overlooked.