Charlottetown city council has delayed a decision on whether to allow a new home on a property that would block the water view for some residents.
Council was set to vote at its monthly meeting Monday on an application from Larry Dunville, the former owner of the Sandspit amusement park in Cavendish, who is asking for a major variance to the rear yard setback for a newly created lot at 2 Richmond Street.
RELATED: PROPERTY OWNER KEEN TO BUILD ON RARE WATERFRONT LOT IN CHARLOTTETOWN
Coun. Eddie Rice recused himself from the vote because he lives in the area. The proposed development has become somewhat contentious as neighbours don’t like the fact their view of the water will be blocked if Dunville gets to build.
However, before a vote could take place, Coun. Mitchell Tweel asked to have the matter deferred so Dunville and his potential future neighbours could find out if there is some common ground.
“I know it’s a very difficult decision. I wonder if it would be prudent if we could try and bring the two parties together to see what would be suitable for both,’’ Tweel said before his motion to defer the issue was successful by an 8-1 vote.
Dunville declined to speak to the media following the vote.
Christine Beck, one of the neighbours who doesn’t want to lose her view of the water, said she was happy with the deferral.
“I think it’s a good thing that they are taking their time to consider all sides of the story,’’ Beck said. “I do hope that the owner of the property does open up and consider listening to the neighbours and having a dialogue with us so that we might come up with a win-win situation.’’
Beck said she has already reached out to Dunville by email in hopes a compromise can be found.
“I definitely want to see that (waterfront) property have a beautiful building on it. I would just love to be able to continue to see the harbour from the walking trail and to invite tourists and my neighbours to enjoy that space.’’
When asked if Dunville has been receptive to her emails, Beck said “he’s been polite but he has not been interested in a meeting to this point.’’
The issue has gone to the city’s heritage board on three occasions with the board asking Dunville to make modifications.
“He said no every time,’’ Beck said. “I don’t know how successful we’ll be but we’ll give it a go.’’
Asked whether she is optimistic, Beck didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely. We’re going to be neighbours so we should enjoy each other.’’
Charlottetown city council has delayed a decision on whether to allow a new home on a property that would block the water view for some residents.
Council was set to vote at its monthly meeting Monday on an application from Larry Dunville, the former owner of the Sandspit amusement park in Cavendish, who is asking for a major variance to the rear yard setback for a newly created lot at 2 Richmond Street.
RELATED: PROPERTY OWNER KEEN TO BUILD ON RARE WATERFRONT LOT IN CHARLOTTETOWN
Coun. Eddie Rice recused himself from the vote because he lives in the area. The proposed development has become somewhat contentious as neighbours don’t like the fact their view of the water will be blocked if Dunville gets to build.
However, before a vote could take place, Coun. Mitchell Tweel asked to have the matter deferred so Dunville and his potential future neighbours could find out if there is some common ground.
“I know it’s a very difficult decision. I wonder if it would be prudent if we could try and bring the two parties together to see what would be suitable for both,’’ Tweel said before his motion to defer the issue was successful by an 8-1 vote.
Dunville declined to speak to the media following the vote.
Christine Beck, one of the neighbours who doesn’t want to lose her view of the water, said she was happy with the deferral.
“I think it’s a good thing that they are taking their time to consider all sides of the story,’’ Beck said. “I do hope that the owner of the property does open up and consider listening to the neighbours and having a dialogue with us so that we might come up with a win-win situation.’’
Beck said she has already reached out to Dunville by email in hopes a compromise can be found.
“I definitely want to see that (waterfront) property have a beautiful building on it. I would just love to be able to continue to see the harbour from the walking trail and to invite tourists and my neighbours to enjoy that space.’’
When asked if Dunville has been receptive to her emails, Beck said “he’s been polite but he has not been interested in a meeting to this point.’’
The issue has gone to the city’s heritage board on three occasions with the board asking Dunville to make modifications.
“He said no every time,’’ Beck said. “I don’t know how successful we’ll be but we’ll give it a go.’’
Asked whether she is optimistic, Beck didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely. We’re going to be neighbours so we should enjoy each other.’’
