A number of public comments objecting to the height of a proposed 5.5 storey hotel were not discussed at the city council meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 8.
Revelstoke Land & Development Ltd. had applied for variances to the zoning on 11 parcels of land near The Nomad Restuarant and the motion to approve was passed unanimously by local councillors.
“Another good news story coming out from business staying in Revelstoke, people investing their money and seeing a future in our city,” Coun. Linda Nixon said.
Mayor Mark McKee commended the developer on being sympathetic to the neighbourhood, having configured the hotel on the north-east side of the plot, away from residential neighbours.
Comments from neighbours within 100 metres of the proposed site were collected until noon on Tuesday, Mar. 8 and then published in the agenda before the council meeting at 3 p.m.
From the comments submitted, many opposed the variances including Days Inn & Suites owner Sam Kyu. His hotel is located to the west of the proposed site, on Wright St. Kyu noted his occupancy numbers were down and that the height of the proposed hotel would hinder the view of his guests.
“We do not want to LOSE THE VIEW on to the national park and/or ski mountain,” Kyu wrote.
“We would not neglect the importance of ‘PRIVACY’ that we and our guests may be looked down from the heights of 26.0 m.”
No comment was received from the Revelstoke Gateway Inn, to the east of the proposed hotel, which is expected to have some additional afternoon shading from the 5.5 storeys.
During media questions at the end of the meeting, in answer to whether the councillors had considered the public comments, Mayor McKee said they had.
“Absolutely they did, that’s how they make their – that’s part of their decision making process.”
Mayor Mark McKee indicated that he had not read the comments from the Days Inn. Councillors were in meetings throughout the afternoon following the public comment deadline at noon, and an in-camera (private) council meeting was held at 2 p.m.
Read the public comment letters here.
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