by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 26/97) - Two opposing camps are no closer to a solution after the second public hearing on a controversial rezoning application for a Matonabee Street lot.

Concerned residents say they want limitations put on any rezoning of a parcel at the intersection of their street and Franklin Avenue.

"I'm not saying there shouldn't be development at the end of the street," said 30-year Matonabee resident Chic Callas. "But it should be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood."

The rezoning would allow for a 10-metre-high building with as many as 28 units on property currently zoned for single-family residences.

Residents called for limitations on development ranging from a height restriction to a chance to review concept drawings of any proposed development.

Property owner Les Rocher said he would accept no limitations other than those imposed by the R3 designation he was requesting.

"Franklin Avenue is not residential property -- that's the long and the short of it and let's get on with the day," said Rocher.

He said that along that stretch of Franklin all other properties are zoned for either medium- or high-density development.

"It seems to me the problem is a lack of willingness to work with the residents prior to the zoning change," said Ald. Bob Brooks.

Ald. Trevor Kasteel noted two other rezoning requests made earlier this year went through after concerned residents were assured, through use of concept drawings, that the new developments would not clash with their neighborhood.

"When you look at bringing 12 stories down to two or three, that is a pretty big compromise," countered Rocher.

Two years ago, shortly after buying property through public tender from the federal Department of Public Works, Rocher applied to have it rezoned R4. At that time, he said Monday, financing was in place to build a 10-storey apartment building on the site.

It is uncertain whether the long-standing controversy over the property will be resolved by this council -- the municipal election will occur on Oct. 20.

Rulings on the public hearing will be presented at the Oct. 27 meeting of council, according to senior administrator Doug Lagore.

"Legally, this term ends the first Monday in November," said Mayor Dave Lovell, adding he wasn't certain if it would be morally right to deal with it at its last meeting.