Densifying this lot just west of Nanaimo's Old City Quarter is one step closer after Nanaimo City Council endorsed rezoning 355 Third St. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

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NANAIMO — Despite objections primarily based on safety due to congestion and challenging road configurations, Nanaimo City Council is willing to hear detailed plans for an envisioned Third St project.

Councillors on Monday, May 26 rezoned 335 Third St., located between Howard and Bruce Avenues from single family to residential corridor to allow for 56 conceptual multi-family units in a pair of four and six storey buildings.

With a formal public hearing banned by B.C. government legislation to speed up housing proposals, several local area residents approached Council members to offer their opinions at the rezoning phase.

The state of the challenging Wharton St./Howard Ave. intersection featuring less than ideal sightlines was referenced by several speakers, including nearby residents.

“My wife will not do that turn there, she looks for alternative routes because it’s just kind of a scary ‘take your chances’ kind of corner,'” said James McRae.

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Anticipating Wharton St. lined with vehicles if the proposal eventually materializes, McRae said the area lacks safety amenities for all road users.

“There’s no sidewalks in the whole area and when you have more cars parked there, there’s more obstruction in terms of seeing what’s happening.”

Macrae questioned the results of an access assessment study prepared by an engineer for the conceptualized development, which delved into three scenarios deemed by the City as feasible options.

Pross Chan, who identified as a professional driver, expanded on the maligned Wharton/Howard junction.

“I refuse to turn onto that street in the morning, at all. It’s a blind hill and I won’t take that added risk to my day,” he said.

Saying he carefully studied the issue and doesn’t take the neighbourhood’s concerns lightly, Mayor Leonard Krog said he trusts the opinion of City staff to move the project to the next stage.

“I’m not prepared to restrict and go against the recommendation of traffic engineers and people who are familiar with the area,” Krog said toward the end of a lengthy discussion on the rezoning application.

A 15-metre riparian setback is in place to protect the fish-bearing Cat Stream, which runs through the property.

With a previously requested access assessment completed and rezoning the property approved, a more detailed development permit is expected to be made.

The Third St. property runs adjacent to imminent underground utility and surface-level enhancements expected to start in July, similar to the Metral Dr. Complete Street project.

355 Third St. represents a notable residential infill project in a strategic location on the edge of Nanaimo’s downtown. (City of Nanaimo)

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