Highrise development moves forward in Penticton

PENTICTON – A proposed highrise residential development in the city’s south end will continue to move forward after Penticton City Council approved the necessary amendments this week.

The proposal, which involves the development of three residential towers, will see one 12-storey and two 14-storey towers built in three phases at 3388 Skaha Lake Rd.

Councillors Max Picton and Tarik Sayeed expressed concerns about the proposal, mainly over parking , traffic and height, while neighbouring property owners voiced concerns over the height and the impact of ground stabilization work.

Starline Enterprises President Anthony Vant Geloof, the project developer, assured council 'nobody is mad at me' following 25 years as a developer in the city. He said he understands concern over height, and has worked to minimize its effects in the design of the project.

Council offered its full support for changing the designation of the property from 'tourist commercial' to 'high density residential.' However, Sayeed and Picton opposed a zoning amendment which would allow a comprehensive development zone, which would allow for the development of the three residential towers, to exist on the property.

Council's decision now allows the developer to apply for a development permit.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.