Townhouse development for idle lots on Power Street

PENTICTON – Three lots on Power Street could soon be home to a 15-unit townhouse strata complex after City councillors approved it Monday.

Developer Nick Bevanda put together a design for the complex on three lots located at 152, 168 and 184 Power Street that will leave a central, private courtyard for the residents and locate the units around the perimeter of the property. The lot is currently heavily treed in mature coniferous and deciduous trees. The development design hopes to preserve a number of the trees.

The proposal calls for eight units with double garages and seven with single garages. All units contain three bedrooms and have access to rooftop terraces. All three lots would be consolidated in a development that would take place in three phases.

There hasn’t been any activity on the lots for years. A small house that dated back to the 1960s was demolished in 2000.

The city’s technical planning committee had issues with firefighting capabilities, but have worked with the developer and architect to develop a firefighting strategy which will involve the use of a private hydrant on site as well as a hydrant on Power Street, which will be paid for by the developer. The lane behind the development will be upgraded and a corner cut in the alley to allow better access to emergency vehicles.

Bevanda told council he chose to reduce allowable density of the project by 50 per cent because of a desire to “fit into the neighbourhood.”

City Councillor Max Picton applauded Bevanda’s efforts.

“This is a great project. I love it and want to see more of it,” he said.

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.