Council to consider request to return Neptune Inn site to zoning for hotel and restaurant use

Council will be asked to review the existing covenant on the old
Neptune Inn site, with a developer proposing to buy the property
and return it to use as a short term accommodation structure

The Chamberlin Avenue location of the Neptune Inn may be returned to zoning use for operation as  hotel and restaurant use, with Council set to review a request tonight to  discharge the covenant that currently is in place for the property.

The Neptune site was changed in its zoning back in January of 2017, with the original plan to develop a Seniors Residence on the property, however since that time little progress appears to have been made towards development of that proposed seniors housing.

Prior to its rezoning for the seniors complex, the Neptune had become a residence for those with limited income, it however had been closed in the early part of 2015.

Zoning for the Neptune Inn location will be part of a review of
Council tonight, with a potential return of the land and building for use
as accommodation and restaurant 

In a Report for council posted to the agenda for tonight,  City Planner Zeno Krekic notes that the property has been offered for sale by owners Macro Properties; with the potential purchaser already operating a short term style of accommodation option in the city known as the First Avenue Executive Suites.

Mr. Krekic observes in his report how the return to short term accommodation status could assist in the demands of the "shadow population" as identified in the city's planning for Major Projects of four years ago.

Some background on the recent history of the Neptune Inn can be found below:

2018

August 7 -- Mayor Brain, Councillor Mirau offer housing response in wake of recent permissive tax exemption decision

2017

June 20 -- Council moves two Senior's housing proposals further ahead
June 6 -- Hill Top Lodge for Seniors to go to Public Hearing on Monday
May 12 -- Most on City Council show enthusiasm for renovation plans for old Neptune Inn 
March 27 --  April date set for Public Information session on Neptune Inn conversion proposal
January 11 -- Council moves forward with Neptune Inn plan for Senior's housing
January 6 -- Details on proposed Seniors Housing project for Neptune site to bd reviewed by Council

2015

June 12 -- Former residents of Neptune Inn find housing for now
May 27 -- Councillor Thorkelson expresses frustration over ongoing issues of homelessness in Prince Rupert

For more notes related to this evenings City Council session see our Council Preview here.

Further background on Housing across the Northwest see our archive here, while a wider overview of City Council issues and discussions can be explored here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.