A controversial rezoning application for a Thrift Avenue lot has been put on hold indefinitely.
White Rock council had been expected to vote Monday night on whether to give third and final readings to the Bylaw 2040 amendment, after voting Sept. 8 to defer the decision in the wake of strong public opposition.
The amendment was requested to clear the way for a three-level, six-unit concrete apartment building at 14937 Thrift Ave. If approved, it would have redesignated the lot as a medium-density, comprehensive-development zone, and increased maximum allowable density to 50 units per acre from 24.
Residents who spoke against the application at a Sept. 8 public hearing criticized the project as not a good fit for the neighbourhood; and criticized council for considering amendments to the city’s Official Community Plan.
Monday, council attendees learned the proponent has asked to defer both the rezoning application and the associated development permit.
Mayor Wayne Baldwin said he did not know why, but suggested it could be that the applicant wants to try to address the community’s concerns.
He noted that council is not allowed to discuss the application amongst themselves or receive further information on it from the public.
“At this point in time, it’s kind of in limbo,” Baldwin said.