8 - Sunday, March 12, 1989 - North Shore News ZONING RULING I’ NV CITY Seniors’ housing loses out to single-family status quo SENIORS’ housing lost out to single-family units in a recent zoning decision by North Vancouver City. The city’s decision to maintain the family zoning of the site at 23rd «Street and St. Georges Avenue, was based on a report by city staff that identified council’s priority as ‘‘neighborhood preser- vation.” But representatives for property owner Gerry Lorentzen said they were surprised by council's deci- sion and said there is a strong de- mand for seniors’ housing in the community. “It’s sad to see that kind of parcel used for single-family units when there’s such a strong need for seniors’ housing,’’ said Ken Stinson, a representative for Lorentzen. . Stinson said a nearby church, cultural facilities, a commercial area and a hospital made it a good area for seniors. “"We have received 19 un- solicited letters from people look- ing very seriously at (our) pro- posal,’’ he said. The owner's representatives said North Vancouver has not been ad- dressing the issue of housing that is attractive and available to seniors. But the report prepared by city staff says ‘‘while it is desirable to have additicnal affordable housing for seniors in the city, staff sug- gests that the number of afford- able units and the type of subsidy ® BRING % INTHIS AD @ > TO QUALIFY die By CORINNE BJORGE Contributing Writer indicated by the applicant is am- biguous and does not warrant a change (in zoning)."’ Ald. Frank Morris said the type of housing suggested by the owner was not necessarily lower-income housing. “If you’re stratifying it, to me that means it’s market housing,"’ said Morris. Representatives for the owner said they were also concerned that council hadn't agreed to delay a decision until they had a chance to talk to area residents. Council had defeated an earlier motion which would have deferred a decision for one week. “We're a little surprised at their blase attitude. They don’t even want to discuss it,’* he said. But the report issued by city staff said the area as outlined in the Official Community Plan had been reviewed in 1987 and its use for family housing had been reaf- firmed. Ald. Stella Jo Dean added that council had recently reduced the zoning density of an area one block away after receiving requests from the neighbors. Two neighborhood residents at- Towards completely repainting your car with our ‘Supreme’ paint service. *Excludes glass claims HOURS Mon.-Fri. 8am-Gpm Saiurday 10am-2pm 945 West ist St. North Vancouver (next to Beaver Lumber) | 984-4111 J . tending the meeting said they sup- ported the city in its commitment to neighborhood preservation. Robert Proctor said he had lob- bied for the rejection of a change in zoning when Lorentzen had made the application in 1987. ‘We signed petitions, and had a public hearing (two years ago). The residents are all for leaving it status quo,’’ he said. Stuart Martin, another resident, agreed. “They use it (seniors’ housing) as a gimmick,’’ he said. Martian said there was a mix of old and new houses, and old and new families. “It’s a good trend, we've had a lot of new families come in,’’ he said. The owner will not be allowed to approach council for another year with the same design, but his rep- resentatives said it was likely the owner would turn to developing “five, very large, single-family homes.”’ He warned it would cause higher traffic volumes, expose more children to the traffic on 23rd St., and increase the likeli- hood of illegal suites. “These are all the things we were trying to avoid,’’ he said. 986-8600 #300-233 W.1st, North Vancouver IMPAIRED DRIVING Ardagh Hunter Turner Barristers & Solicitors #300-1401 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver 986-4366 Free Initial Consultation "THE CORPORATION OF THE GiTY OF NORTH VANCOUVER NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A Public Meeting will be heid on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989 AT 7:30 P.M. in the COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL, 141 WEST 14TH STREET concerning the redevelopment of the ST. ALICE HOTEL SITE ae We've lengthened our day to suit your day... 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