Sechelt residents filled the Seaside Centre Tuesday night to voice their concern with the proposed development of the Tower Road seniors' home.
Mayor Cam Reid and council were on hand at the public meeting to hear concerns, while District staff outlined the specifics of the project to an attentive audience.
The hearing was held to consider amending the official community plan (OCP) to rezone two parcels of land in West Sechelt from RR-1 to comprehensive development zone CD-16.
Within the proposal, the facility will have a maximum of 202 residential apartments with a maximum of eight guest suites. Parking will surround the development with 114 spaces, which will include visitor, staff and residential parking, as well as one spot allotted for bus parking. The facility will include several amenities including a restaurant, beauty salon, fitness centre and care services for the residents.
At the hearing, the public was informed that 145 letters of support have been sent to the developer, including over 100 letters from potential buyers.
Not everyone, it seems, is happy about the project. The location and the perceived congestion that the influx of residents will cause were concerns raised by some Tuesday night.
"This project doesn't conform to the OCP," said Sechelt resident Ken Matheson. "I am opposed to the 700 per cent density increase that this project will cause. Downsizing to 202 units between the two buildings won't fix it."
Along with density issues, parking, septic system, traffic congestion, lack of available transit services and an awkward location were all discussed.
"This project benefits the developer not the residents," said one man. "The location is a long way from amenities, and the nearest transit location is on Nickerson Road."
Some residents also said light pollution that the facility would create is another issue that must be addressed.
"Their lights would be on all the time, which would disrupt sleep patterns for nearby residents," said one resident.
District staff will compile a report for council to consider, hopefully at the Feb. 21 council meeting.
