CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Larry Dunville almost has the green light to build a home on a controversial corner of Charlottetown that overlooks the picturesque harbour.
The New Glasgow resident has been trying for about three years to build on a piece of property that he owns at the corner of Richmond and West streets.
The former long-time owner/operator of Sandspit amusement park in Cavendish purchased the property with plans to build an 1,800- to 2,000-square-foot house on his Charlottetown property.
Coun. Greg Rivard, chairman of the city’s planning and heritage committee, said recently the issue has gone through the design review process and there are a few other minor changes heritage board staff will cover with Dunville and his architect, but other than that the project is essentially a go.
“The project is as-of-right,’’ Rivard said, meaning Dunville is fully within his rights to build on the property he owns.
“He doesn’t require any variances and he’s well within his rights to build what he’s proposing. It was really contingent upon design review at that point because he wasn’t requesting any variances.’’
RELATED: Property owner keen to build on rare waterfront lot in Charlottetown
RELATED: Charlottetown council rejects oversize waterfront home
The issue did come before council because, at one point, Dunville’s plans required a variance. Variances mean the developer has his or her say and the public gets to have its say at a public meeting.
The public spoke up loud and clear that it didn’t want the view of the harbour blocked by Dunville’s home.
The matter was deferred, and Dunville eventually redesigned the building to meet the requirements of the existing property.
Rivard said the house won’t be as square as originally proposed and will, instead, be a more rectangular shape.
The councillor said he completely understands that residents who don’t want anything on the property blocking the view of the water won’t be happy, but there is nothing council can do.
“He doesn't need the variances, and if you don’t need the variances and you’re within the proper zoning, which he is, then really our hands are tied and a building permit has to be issued.’’
The Guardian was unable to reach Dunville immediately for comment.
In a previous interview, Dunville promised a lovely landscaped property, noting that he won a rural beautification award in his first home on Ferry Road in Cornwall in the 1970s.
He also pointed out that his current home in New Glasgow was featured in Saltscapes magazine.
