by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (NOV 06/96) - A recent city council decision has set the stage for what could be a lively public hearing.

Council gave first reading to a proposed zoning change that would up the building density on a cul de sac at the end of Borden Drive, near Range Lake.

A public hearing on the change must be held before second and third readings of the proposed amendment.

"A public hearing would allow us to gauge the public's reaction and the impact this would have on the neighbourhood," noted Alderman John Dalton.

RTC Enterprises bought 2.72 hectares of land in the area for $592,999.50 in 1994. RTC then subdivided it into 37 lots. The property being considered for rezoning consists of 13 of those lots.

The property is currently zoned single family residential. Permitted uses under the multi-family, medium density designation the developer is requesting include walk-up apartments, terraced or row housing, fourplexes and triplexes.

Responding to a question from alderman Dick Peplow, director of planning Bob McKinnon said the zoning permits apartments up to four storeys high.

"Then, technically, the developer could throw up a 50 unit apartment building, as long as it's not more than four storeys, is that right?" questioned Peplow.

"Yes, as long as it complies with the rest of the zoning bylaw," said McKinnon.

Four residents responded to notice of the change with letters of objection, and another 21 signed their names to a petition opposing it.

"With very limited access to land suitable for manufactured low cost housing in a growing market for the foreseeable future, we question why the city would consider altering land already designed for this purpose," noted Gateway Housing Ltd. development manager Lee Spicer in one of the letters objecting to the proposed change.

A date has yet to be set for the public hearing.