20 - Worth Shore News -— Sunday, fviarch 19, 2000 Large houses approved Marcie Good Contributing Writer PLANS for two water- front houses, consider- ably larger than bylaws permit, received approval from North Vancouver District council on Monday. But Coun. Lisa Muri, who voted against ene of the var- ance permits, was udamant in pointing out the difference benveen how the owners pre sented their plans. One, Colin Beedie of Panorama Drive, applied for a variance permit in August, 1999. When staff rejected the _ proposal, he came back with plans for a smaller house. Rick Barbieri, the owner of Seycove Marina, applied for and received a building permit for his house, then submitted plans to revise the proposal while construction progressed. The changes included adding a pool in the basement, increas- ing main floor area and con verting an attic area ro habit- able space. “IF we approve this perrit it sends a dangerous message to the people of the distict of what the process is isiended tor.” Mas told council, “What Mr. Barbiert has done, in my mind, is beat that systen 7 Muri and Coun, Ernie Crist were the onh ones to vote against the variance permit, schich allows $74 sq.m ot inte- nor tloor space (while the byfaw’s Himit is 264). The vari ance permit also decreases the front: vard setback. Planning department: staff recommended approving only the front yard setback, and not the floor space increase. Coun. Heather Dunstord argued that none of Barbieri’s neighbours objected to the house. ‘Two of them spoke at the meeting in support of the plans. Dunstord also stated that council has no place inside the houses of the district. “I think the way we look at variances and the things people do inside of their homes is bizarre,” she said. “I'm going to support whar Mr. Barbieri wants to do inside of his home because [ don’t see anything wrong with it.” Muri countered that the districe has building, policies regarding the interior, and that those guidelines must be hon- oured. She pointed out that development issues in Deep Cove have always been con- tentious. At the Feb. 272) meeting, council discussed a tand exchange proposal in which Barbier! weuld provide a cleared) area in) the woods above Seveove Marina for pub- fe use as a picnic area. In return, he would receive a licence to occupy a six-metre- wide road allowance adjacent to his residence. He was not granted the licence, but he agreed to provide the picnic area. Coun. Ernie Crist asked whether the variance permit proposal could be deferred until council received, in writ- ing, Barbieri’s commitment to the public space. Mayor Don Bell cautioned that the permit should be judged on its own merits, Not as an exchange for something else. Council unanimously approved the variance permit for Bee home, located on two. consolidated waterfront lots within the Seyeove Marina subdivision. Most councillors acknowledged that the home, although exceeding limits for building height, uait size, depth, and front and rear set- backs, was not out of place in the neighbourhood. Because the house is to be built on nwo lots rather than one, it would “decrease the bulk” of development in the area, several pointed out. Maureen Bragg, chair of the Waterfront Task Force, agreed with Muri’s argument. She told council that Barbieri’s proposal was another case of “build first and ask {ater.” “To say yes to the applica- tions wili send a message to the people of the district that council does not support the district bylaws and does not have the will to enforce them.” or half off initiation fee! Pay As You Go! :NORTH-SHOR > Wa NEWS photo Mike Wakefictd Meaningful message CPL. Janis Jean holds one of the hand-drawn and coloured traffic tickets creat- ed by students at Izwin Park elementary school to remind drivers to slow down. Police issued the “tickets” to drivers speeding near the school tast Friday. %: Option 2 Membarthip, good ot club of onrofiment.