Council moves two Senior's housing proposals further ahead

Last week's City Council session provided for some progress for two high profile Senior's residence proposals, as Council members voted to move both the Hill Top Lodge proposal and the Metlakatla Development Corporation's Seniors Residence project to their next stages.

The Hill Top Lodge was the subject of a Public Hearing last Monday evening, with Council hearing some background related to the project from   of Macro Properties, providing the company's thoughts on the re-purposing of the old Neptune Inn, which will see the building turned into Single Room occupancy units for those 55 years of age and older.

Prince Rupert City Council is moving
forward with the proposed Hill Top Lodge
Seniors Residence development

The Public Hearing process began with City Planner Zeno Krekic proving a short overview of the project, offering some background as to what developers from Macro Properties have in mind for the development in the Yellowhead Industrial areas of the city.

Council also heard from Imran Jivraj, a representative from Macro Properties, he provided a short overview of the company and its holdings in Prince Rupert and how they see their proposed development fitting into the city's requirements

During the public comment period of the hearing only one participant came forward with comments, as Brian Musgrave, owner of Rainbow Chrysler, located across from the proposed seniors residence offered up his support for the project.

Later in the session, Council reviewed the report provided and offered commentary related to it.

Councillor Randhawa inquired as to the concerns that had been expressed related to public transit to the area, Mr. Krekic observed that the applicant had not be successful in moving the transit option closer to the facility, but was still looking at ways to provide for access to the site for those that don't have their own vehicles.

Councillor Niesh offered his full support for the project, noting that it was definitely needed in the town and how it was a good repurposing of the existing building. Councillor Cunningham also approved of the project, calling it a plus for the community.

Council voted to adopt the Community Plan Bylaw and zoning bylaw, with the Mayor noting that he was looking forward to seeing it get off the ground.

You can review the full range of the presentations and the discussion from our Council timeline feature here.

Council also moved forward with an ambitious Seniors residence proposal from the Metlakatla Development Corporation, which has plans to develop two stand alone buildings and a row house complex on the old King Edward School site at Green Street on the city's east side.

Last Monday, Council reviewed a variance permit request to address a height aspect regarding an aesthetic aspect of the proposed development. Council also moved the Metlakatla proposal towards a Public Hearing process to take place at the June 26th Council Session.

Council members offered up no concerns related to the design of a proposed
Elders/Seniors residence for Green Street in the city.

The full overview of the Metlakatla discussions can also be found on our Council Timeline feature.

The video of both housing proposals is available below, through the City's Video Archive at the times noted in our Council Timeline.




For more items related to Monday's City Council session see our Council Discussion archive here.

Further items related to Housing issues in the community can be found on our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review