Merritt development receives third reading
MERRITT— Merritt City Council has approved the third reading of the proposed Spring Bank Development following a public hearing. The third reading was approved by a 4-3 vote Tuesday night. Councillors Melvina White, Mike Bhangu, and Adam Etchart were in opposition.
Many residents provided input during the public hearing opposed to the high-density R8 zoning. The developer was open to a possible amendment to R7 medium density and that was passed by the council. At R7 the property can be up to four stories, if the property remained unchanged the owner could build up to five stories tomorrow, without Council approval.
Comments from citizens were also focused on the need for a geotechnical survey of the land. City Staff confirmed that the completion of a survey is a requirement for a building permit to be issued. “The geotech is a concern, and I think its a very real concern. But its guaranteed (that the study will take place). The attorney general himself has said so, and if it doesn’t pass it won’t be built,” stated Coun. Kurt Christopherson.
Other issues raised during the public hearing included the belief that the development would lower property values, ruin the quiet scenic neighbourhood feeling, and their picturesque views. Some residents were confident that the proposal would bring with it increased crime to the area.