A detour into traffic concerns didn’t deter city council from approving a development permit for a new car wash at the top of Tank Hill.
The permit, approved unanimously by council, allows for the construction of an automated car wash with three self-serve bays, three vacuum bays and a mechanical/office building at 2801 10th Ave. NE – at the back of the commercial complex where the Shell gas station and Mac’s convenience store are located.
The use is supported by the official community plan and the property’s C3 service commercial zoning.
Council’s approval followed a public hearing, during which Birte Decloux of Kelowna-based Urban Options and Planning Permits addressed concerns raised by councillors and the residents of a neighbouring residential strata.
To one of those concerns, noise, Decloux emphasized the materials and technology used would largely mitigate noise reaching the closest residence to about 20 decibels – equivalent to the sound of a watch ticking.
The strata also commented how the site of the proposed wash currently serves as “unofficial overflow parking for Setters Pub and Budget Car Rental. Decloux said the developer is providing 19 more parking stalls than what is required by the city, and can easily accommodate the 10 stalls Setters uses.
Also speaking at the hearing was David Askew, who complimented the development, but said he was concerned with the impact it would have on his Uptown Askew’s property and its future development.
“There’s now a covenant on our property that says before we do any further development, we’ll have to do another traffic study, and I’m quite sure the applicant wishes to attract traffic to the area,” said Askew. “And that traffic will add congestion to the area and when I come to try and get my covenant removed, I’ll be responsible for any increase in congestion that has occurred by other developments…”
City engineering and public works director Rob Niewenhiuzen confirmed that traffic study was completed in 2014, and calls for improvements at the 11th Avenue and 30th Street NE. intersection by 2019.
Development services director Kevin Pearson noted these concerns had no bearing on the development permit application.
Following the hearing, Coun. Louise Wallace Richmond asked the developer to be mindful of the pedestrians from the local high school who frequent the area, while Coun. Alan Harrison encouraged the parking agreement with Setters be continued.