Nelson 5-Plex gets Go Ahead

A controversial five-plex townhouse development on a steep Nelson street has secured city council's blessing.

The complex required a land re-zoning amidst concerns from neighbors about parking, traffic and views.

But city councillor Donna Macdonald says the steep lot on High Street is an odd shape and the developer has come up with something she feels meets the spirit of the Official Community Plan. She says it fits well in the area and helps spread densification across town. It is also within walking distance of the downtown and on a bus route.

In an effort to reduce vehicles on-site each home comes with a membership to the Kootenay Car-Share Co-op and there's a dedicated parking bay for that vehicle. But the development still features ten parking spots.

Macdonald says there will always be issues around traffic, parking and views in Nelson because of the nature of the streets and the tight building area but council is sensitive to neighborhood concerns. This development will include various covenants to allay issues about snow removal, privacy and security.