eaiah eg SER & Australia Future pions...........write a novel Is new renov big view blocker? Dave Taylor Contributing Writer NORTH Vancouver District Council approved plans to build a home addition in Marlborough Heights on Monday night, despite vocal opposi- tion from neighbors. Homeowners Bruce and Roma Carroll in the Upper Lonsdale neighborhood asked council for a development variance permit to add a sec- ond storey to their Braemar Road home. But the addition would make their home 18 inches (0.5 metres) above the maxi- mum height allowed accord- ing to zoning, bylaws. Roma Carroll told council that, because of the slope of the land, her property was put inty a hardship in comparison to others in the area due to the zoning. She said the addition would be in character with the neighborhood, unlike many new homes being built in the area. And she said it would have little impact on neigh- bors’ views “Plea: our situation,” she council. But several neighbors also attended council to ask that the variance not be approved. N Louise Pops said that the view from her house would suffer if the addition was built. 1 present bylaws are apply fairness in asked CAROLAN .... sticking to the bylaw could lead to increased demolition. fair and equitable. Please don’t change them,” she said. “Plans can be changed, views cannot.” Neighbor Roberta Lauer argued that the bylaws were designed to protect the char- acter of the neighborhood and that to allow a height variance would set a- danger- ous precedent. “[ strongly oppose this,” she said. “It will have a nega- tive impact on views and con- sequently, property values.” Another neighbor, Vicki Cowan, said she sympathized with the Carrolls, but under- stood why it was such a heat- ed topic in the area. “Objective doesi’t seem like much, but if it wipes out a view it’s huge,” she said. But many councillors who visited the neighboring homes said they didn’t think there would be much impact on Dave Taylor Contributing Writer AFTER much debate on Monday evening, North Vancouver District Council decided to issue a development permit for the Avalon Hotel site on Marine Drive. The project, which would replace the hotel with a four: 5-unit apartment x, had already been through a. series of public meetings and hearings, but that didn't stop councilors trom getting one last kick at the development. Although a neighborhood pub had been part of the design all along, Coun. Ernie Crist objected to a pub being located beneath residences. “This could be constitut- ed as oa big pain.” he told council. “Noise is going ta be a problem. Are these people going to keep their windows closed all the time?” Coun. Glenys Deering: Robb wasn’t concerned about the pub, buc about shadows, She suggested — simply removing a half-dozen of the suites to eliminate potentially annoying shadows trom the park across the s “It’s too big. 1 think it would be better if you just views. “I think this renovation meets the spirit of the Marlborough Heights neigh- borhood zoning,” sai. coun- cillor Janice Harris. “J think it actually benefits the neighbor- hood.” Coun. Trevor Carolan agreed, pointing out that sticking strictly to the bylaw could have negative effects. “It could compel some homes not to be renovated, but to be demolished,” he said. “Rather than the funky, creative homes familiar to the North Shore, there will be three-story West Van type homes that really stick out. I'm prepared for the larger good of the Marlborough Heights neighborhood rather than those here who maybe don’t have as much to lose as they believe.” Coun. Glenys Deering- Robb disagreed with that assessment and suggested instead thar the homeowners consider a flat roof or one with a lower slope to appease neighbors. But Mayor Don Bell said he didn’t find the ftat-roofed homes attractive and argued that the variance was not unreasonable. “Taking into account the intent of the bylaw, the alter- natives here would be worse,” he said. Coun. Harris moved to issuc the development vari- ance permit. She was second- ed by councillor Carolan. The motion passed, with council- Jor Deering-Robb represent- ing the sole opposition. ect. “ removed these top suites.” she said. pointing to a model of the building “Tes bulky. It's very. very bulky.” Coun. Janice Harris said she didn’t understand Deering Robb’s concerns, because the park was actually already shaded by tall tree “H's the bulk. ft’s.a bulky, bulky building.” Deering- Robb insisted. Coun, Lisa Muri alse did- nt understand the concerns, She noted thar none of the area residents seemed to object to the “bulk” of the building. “Why is this coming for- ward now?” she asked. “Ive never heard this betore.” But Decring-Robb said she was sull concerned about the building's design. “It's CODY ZDEBIAK Picks of the week + Bb CAs aber Staten Wagon NS OH North Van Friday, July 24, 1398 — North Shore News ~ 41 Avalon redevelopment a go big, i's big.” she repeated. TI architec who designed the building, Paula Grossman, was also at the MecuUNe. She explained that i was- Wt possible co simply remove part of the building without Name: Audi A8 doing a major redesign. She also noted that the building really wasn’t that bulky. That scemed to appease Deering Robb and the deve opment permit passed unani- mously, Colour: Aluminum Silver Metallic Drive: Quattro lV | Likes: Big wheels, all the options. Turmrons: Aluminum hard bodies, 300 horses. 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