Following Mayor Darrell Trouton's proposed affordable housing project go through government is like watching a ping-pong match.
Once again the development was brought before the district committee of the whole, at its Jan. 11 meeting, for discussion. Coun. Greg Kyllo was acting chair for Trouton, who excused himself for conflict of interest.
When the development proposal for 727 Parksville (where Trouton resides) last came before the committee in December, a key sticking point was variances the developer sought on the required upgrades and improvements (sidewalk, curb, gutter, lighting, etc.) along Parksville Street and Larch Avenue. Committee members were particularly opposed to the variance for Parksville, which was to be done over three phases, tied to subdivision.
The idea of having Parksville only partially completed, with the remainder hinged on future subdivision, did not sit well with Couns. Fred Busch, Charlotte Hutchinson and Joan Thomson. The three councillors not only wanted to see the developer complete all of the sidewalk and related works along Parksville, as required, but also expressed interest in the district completing the sidewalk to Sherlock and Larch.
Couns. Don Richardson and Terry Rysz favoured the variance, not wanting to heap financial hardship on the developer during a down economy.
"Who are we working for, the developer or the community?" shot Hutchinson. "We're compromising like crazy, more than 100 per cent if we allow that. I just want you to consider that."
Read more in the Jan. 25 EVN.