A bid to develop four lots on Nicola Ave. into a fitness centre took another step towards reality at Tuesday’s regular council meeting, when council voted to adopt the Zoning Bylaw amendment which would allow for the properties to be rezoned from low density residential (R2) to City Centre (C6).
The proposed rezoning of the lots at 2201, 2213, 2225, 2237 Nicola Ave. will enable Street to construct a mixed-use building of up to six storeys in height. However, Street plans to limit the structure to three or four storeys. Upon completion, Persistence Training Centre would be located, which is currently located in the Railyard Mall.
The City of Merritt held a Public Hearing regarding the development on Oct. 27, during which several residents voiced their objections to both the rezoning and the construction of a commercial building at that location. Concerns ranged from the size of the building, to parking and access.
Following the Public Hearing, the Zoning Bylaw Amendment was given Third Reading on Oct. 27 with only councillor Etchart opposed.
Because the properties are on Nicola Ave., which is considered a provincial highway, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) approval was required after Third Reading. MOTI has approved the development, allowing council to vote on the final adoption.
The Zoning Amendment Bylaw was passed with no further debate with only councillor Etchart opposing. Councillor Melvina White was absent from the meeting.
The next step for Street will be to apply for a Development Permit, which is required before the development can proceed to the Building Permit stage.
