A development on Haviland Street known as The Banks will continue its progress after Charlottetown city council denied a reconsideration request for a permit the project received. ScreengrabArticle contentThe seven-storey, 49-unit development at 15 Haviland St. will continue its progress after a Charlottetown council vote.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe council voted on a reconsideration request from a resident who lives in a building next door, which planning staff recommended be denied.Article contentArticle contentCouncil did this, voting 7-1 to follow the advice from development manager David Gundrum, who said the request to withdraw a permit for site mobilization did not meet a series of thresholds required for reconsideration. Coun. Mitchell Tweel voted against the resolution.Article contentArticle contentFair hearingArticle contentGundrum’s report for the resident’s request includes the resident’s arguments and how they fail to meet the three thresholds.Article contentThe applicant for the reconsideration also made an appeal to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC), which is on hold until the city makes a decision.Article contentAt the council meeting, Tweel questioned the process and whether the concerned residents had received a fair hearing on their issues. He pointed to a late communication from residents that explained their concerns.Article contentHe also asked the staff how strong the city’s case would be at an IRAC appeal.Article content“What is your estimation of success when this goes to IRAC?” Tweel asked. “What’s the probability either way?”Article contentGundrum said he had read the latest arguments and found they still did not meet the threshold for reconsideration.Article content“There’s nothing raised as points in that email that was not otherwise covered under our planning report to planning board, which is contained in your package and contains our recommendation to the board to then be recommended to council. So, I don’t have anything further to add.”Article contentArticle contentAs of rightArticle contentArticle contentTweel also asked whether there was any opportunity for public consultation at this stage.Article contentMayor Philip Brown pointed out the project has been ongoing since 2018, when the waterfront zoning was changed, making the permit in question an as-of-right project.Article contentThat means it doesn’t need public consultation because the size fits the waterfront zone.Article content“There was a resolution, July 18, 2018, that changed the zoning,” Brown said. “Prior to 2018, any new development on the waterfront required public consultation.”Article contentArticle content“Get involved. Be active. Follow the surveys. Come to the meetings. Have your voices heard — that’s where change can happen.” – Deputy Mayor Alanna JankovArticle contentArticle contentDeputy Mayor Alanna Jankov, who chairs the planning board, added that further permits for the project could go to public consultation if they ask for exceptions to the zoning bylaw. But as-of-right applications only need staff approval.Article contentShe also encouraged residents to get involved in the ongoing zoning and development bylaw review, which will update requirements for different kinds of zoning in the city.
Request denied: Haviland Street building passes Charlottetown council vote, still faces IRAC hearing
