A rezoning application for three properties to allow multi-family development on Metral Drive could be the harbinger of future development in the area.
At the Nov. 21 meeting of Nanaimo city council, Dale Lindsay, the city’s general manager of development services, presented an application to rezone 5645, 5655 and 5657 Metral Dr. from single dwelling and duplex residential to low-density residential with provisions to allow an increase to the maximum building height.
The application was submitted by Victoria-based DHK Architects along with concept building drawings and site plans to give examples of multi-family dwellings that could be constructed if the rezoning application is approved. The concepts show the properties could accommodate 22 units.
“This is in keeping with a couple of themes that we’ve talked about this past year and one is in relationship to development on Metral Drive. You’re seeing investments in the complete street along Metral, resulting in a desire for development like this and a housing form, in a ground-oriented, multi-family type, that is supporting a need in the community for a more affordable, family-oriented housing of that type,” Lindsay said.
He added that the type of development proposed is supported by the official community plan. A community contribution, to be used for active transportation improvements, commitment to using low- carbon energy systems and lot consolidation are recommended conditions of rezoning.
Councillors Janice Perrino and Sheryl Armstrong had questions about adequate parking and vehicle access for the site. Lindsay explained that what is being presented for public consultation is conceptual only.
“Staff would not be proposing to secure any design at this point,” he said. “It would be what the zoning would support. So, the re-zoning would support something similar to this if it were approved by council. Ultimately a development permit would be required before development of the site took place and the detailed site design and considerations … would be considered through that process.”
First and second reading of the application passed unanimously. The re-zoning application will go to public hearing before coming back to council for third reading.
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chris.bush@nanaimobulletin.com
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