The public will get a chance to weigh in on a rezoning proposal that would allow a Rockland lot to be subdivided so that two new single-family homes can be built on the site.
A majority of Victoria council voted to send the proposal for 1737 Rockland Ave. to a public hearing.
The site is the family home of Large & Co. founder Earl Large, and his company proposes maintaining the existing 1899 Samuel Maclure home, while adding two new two-storey homes at the rear of the property.
While a city staff report suggested the project is inconsistent with the Rockland neighbourhood plan to hold onto large-lot character, the proposed use, height, and density are consistent with the official community plan and recent revisions have attempted to address concerns about setbacks, building height, and privacy.
Coun. Chris Coleman, who along with Coun. Marg Gardiner voted against the project, said the area is fascinating as each lot comes steeped in history, but this proposal is “not there yet.”
Coleman said some of the variances requested are “overreach” and a public hearing is likely to get heated.
Coun. Dave Thompson said he also had reservations, but wanted it to go to the public.
“While this isn’t necessarily what I would like to see on this lot, this is what’s in front of us and if it turns out to be wrong as we will see in a public hearing, then we can change course at that time,” he said.
Thompson said increased density in the area is inevitable and he would prefer to see options that are more attainable for average people.
“That being said, millionaires do have to live somewhere, and if we don’t give them places that are highly attractive, they end up staying in housing that’s relatively affordable and keeping people out of that,” he said.
In a letter to council, Large & Co. chief executive Kim Colpman said the proposal is the result of three years of collaboration with neighbours, mayor and council.
“Throughout this time we have been constantly looking for the balance that respects tradition and existing neighbours but also looks at the necessity for creative transformation. Here is the chance to do just that — retain this magnificent community treasure and provide additional housing that is appropriate in its context and location,” she said.
Some of the changes made in the proposal since it was last in front of council focus on privacy by removing windows, increasing setback, adding more privacy landscaping and fencing.
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