Final opportunity for Public comment on Neptune Inn site comes with tonight's Public Hearing

Prince Rupert City Council could make their final decision on the fate of the old Neptune Inn location on Chamberlin Avenue this evening, that as the plans to return the site to use as a commercial space for accommodation makes for the theme of a Public Hearing prior to the Monday evening Council session.

As part of the process for rezoning the land back to its light commercial use, the City will receive the final comments of the public, should they be inclined to contribute to the proceedings at this evenings hearing.

In a report for Council related to the Public Hearing and follow up zoning vote as part of the Regular Council session, the City's Planning department notes that no comments have been received related to the zoning request to this point.

Final approval to return the Neptune Inn back to its original status
as a traveller accommodation could come by the end of tonight's
Prince Rupert City Council Session. With the topic up as the subject
for a Public Hearing prior to the Council meeting.

The city has been navigating the request for a change in zoning and the Official Community plan for much of this year, with the plans from the new owners of the Neptune site indicating that a return to travel accommodation will make for the development plan for the long closed hotel/residence which at one point was to be converted to Seniors Housing.

The previous owners Macro Properties decided that the repurposing of the building towards Seniors Housing no longer fit with their plans.

The new owners James and Corinne Warburton hosted a public meeting earlier this spring to share their new plans to return the Neptune building to its original use as traveller accommodation, with the public with no opposition to those plans made note of at the time.

Tonight's Public Hearing takes place at 7PM.

In a report for Council, City Planner Zeno Krekic made note of the approach that the planning department is taking when it comes to their recommendation for Council.

In the long term, this property is best suited for Light Industrial uses. In the short term and to avoid "better than vacant" attribute allowing it to revert to its original use will suffice.

The City has some background information available related to this evening's Hearing and Council vote to follow.

Public Hearing for May 13

We outlined some of the history of the Neptune Inn land over the course of the last few years with this item from May 2nd.

For more items of note related to this evening's City Council session see our Council preview here.

Further notes on City Council discussion themes can be explored here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.