Neighbours are divided over whether a multi-suite complex on Michener Hill should officially get higher-density zoning.
Red Deer city council heard Monday that two duplexes were joined and expanded in 1965, creating a two-storey eight-plex at 4028-51st St.
Legally, this structure has non-conforming status as it sits on land zoned as R1 for low density, even though it’s a multi-family dwelling. But council was told the owner is seeking to bring it into compliance with today’s standards by having the property rezoned R2 for medium-density developments.
Councillors heard that the eight-plex still technically occupies two lots, even though it has one civic address.
City senior planner Kimberly Fils-Aime said the Michener Hill neighbourhood is below city density targets. She noted three R2 lots are located south of this property and have the option of expanding from single-family dwellings to multi-family.
Although the owner has not indicated an intent to redevelop the property, if it was rezoned to R2, up to 12 housing units could potentially be approved, Fils-Aime added.
Letters from neighbouring property owners include one in support of the rezoning and three strongly opposed.
Reasons for the opposition include insufficient street parking, noise and alleged poor maintenance of the building: “Derelict vehicles parked in the area, garbage dumpster overflowing.”
Two letter writers object to tenants with pets in the building not picking up dog poop from the street, and noise from partying, creating disturbances throughout the summer.
They also complained about police repeatedly being called to the building, and tenants jacking their cars up for repairs on the front lawn, creating an eyesore.
The one supportive neighbour wrote that this building has provided low-cost housing for many families over the years: “Would be a shame to lose that … am not sure where these people could go.”
Coun. Dianne Wyntjes returned to the same question several times: Why is this rezoning being applied for now, if there are no imminent plans by the owner to redevelop the building?
She was among the majority of councillors who supported first reading of the rezoning in order to allow the issue to come up at a public hearing on April 15 so more details can be heard.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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