by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 22/97) - Council appears poised to approve a new residential development in the face of protests from residents of the neighborhood.

"I was disappointed," said resident Kevin O'Reilly of the response he got from the city development committee Monday.

"There didn't seem to be much interest in the issues and concerns raised, even though the majority of homeowners oppose the development."

Two months ago the committee, then council, moved ahead with a zoning change for a property in the Range Lake North Subdivision.

Yellowknife Properties (1988) Ltd. applied to have the zoning of the 2.37- hectare Forrest Park Subdivision lot changed from Institutional to Residential Multi-Family Medium Density.

Though no formal plans have been presented, Yellowknife Properties has indicated it hopes to build 50 units in multi-family complexes.

Several residents voiced their objections to the change at the committee meeting. They failed to sway the committee, which recommended council approve the change.

The city sold the lot to Telsat Canada in 1972. Since then only a small portion of it has been used for a satellite installation. Yellowknife Properties bought the lot in 1995.

Neighbouring residents have used the property's ski and snowmobile trails.

Four residents bordering the property responded to notice of the requested zoning change. Three objected to the change and the fourth expressed concern with the disruption that would be caused by construction.

O'Reilly's presentation Monday included a petition against the change signed by 15 residents living near the property.

Residents based their objections on the increased traffic that would result in the Forrest Drive school zone, potential reduction in property values and the burden it would place on J.H. Sissons school.