Miffed over obstructed view

Some Osoyoos residents are raising concerns over a proposed multi-family affordable housing development on Cottonwood Drive, saying it could obstruct views and increase congestion.

At a council meeting on Tuesday, a handful of residents spoke during a public input session for the bylaw changes related to a proposed 19-unit townhouse slated for 6819 and 6821 Cottonwood Drive.

Council agreed to postpone third reading of the zoning bylaws until a shadow study — meaning, a case study looking at the impact of shadows that the proposed development might have on the existing neighbourhood — has been carried out.

The two properties are slated to be consolidated for the townhomes, which are said to be in-line with affordable housing requirements.

Eighteen of the townhomes are slated to be three-bedroom units, and one is set to be a two-bedroom unit with a den. Each unit would have two parking spots in a garage with four visitor parking spots.

Some who reside near the proposed development raised concerns about obstructed views, traffic congestion, environmental impacts, parking, and street safety.

"I'm gonna lose my view and I'll have this great, big three storey building towering over my house," said a resident who lives next to the site.

The neighbour also brought up parking concerns, noting people already use his driveway on occasion.

"We've actually had to put up BCAA signs for cars to slow down and watch for children. It's a very busy street," said another nearby resident.

A number of people voiced concerns about the development's setback, which has been proposed closer to the street than other single family dwellings in the area. However, some of the preexisting multi-unit homes on Cottonwood Drive, such as The Palms, already have shorter setbacks.

Representatives of the developer, ParaMorph Architecture, said the setback is drafted at 7.5 metres and designed "to ensure that it does not feel over burdening to the people who are on Cottonwood Drive."

According to staff, changes to setbacks have recently been made in order to comply with the province's
small-scale, multi-unit housing requirements for more density and affordable housing.

One resident recommended carrying out a shadow study to assess the impacts of the three-storey building to surrounding properties. Council agreed to postpone third reading of the related bylaws in order to conduct that study on what one councillor described as a "key property."

While those who attended the meeting in person brought up objections to the proposal, at least one resident wrote to the town expressing support for the development, citing the need for affordable housing and the economic benefits of density.