A subdivision application has received support from city council despite some concerns of residents living around the Queensborough site.
The city received an application for a development variance permit for 311 Johnston St. that would allow the property to be subdivided into two lots. A variance was required for site area and site frontage because the proposed lots wouldn't meet existing zoning.
Darren Kucheran appeared at city council on Monday night on behalf of his parents, who own a neighbouring home. He said the area already has parking issues, which are only going to worsen if two homes are built where one now exists.
"We are going to add extra congestion and make it more difficult for emergency response," he said.
Kucheran also expressed concern about the impact that pile driving at the site would have on his parents' home, which is built on a concrete slab that was built in 1954.
"We should be abiding by the bylaws to reduce impacts on existing buildings," he said.
Longtime Queensborough resident Lorne Elliott is also opposed to the variance. He questioned whether other homes built across the street by the applicant meet city's height and setback requirements.
Dave Guiney, the city's senior planning analyst, said the city has survey work done that shows the homes meet the city's bylaw requirements.
The Queensborough Residents' Association received a presentation about the project in December 2011. Although two people attending that meeting voiced concerns about overall development in Queensborough and the need for an updated official community plan, the association has no objection to the variances sought for 311 Johnston St.
Coun. Betty McIntosh questioned whether the homes would be able to have suites. Guiney said they could each have one suite.
Council approved the variance; McIntosh was the only councillor to vote against issuance of the permit.
