Photo: Contributed

Penticton residents raised concerns ranging from losing the character of their neighbourhood to parking issues, at a public hearing on a Churchill Avenue duplex development this week.

Some described parking in the area as already a problem, with new development expected to make it worse.

"I have been in a situation in the summer without the parking on Lakeshore, where Churchill is a zoo," said Robert Duncan. "You cannot move, the congestion in that area is horrendous."

The rezoning requests for 451 Churchill Avenue is from small lot residential to duplex housing-lane.

The residents, along with the developer of the property, spoke at the public hearing. Th developer told council that putting the units on the lot, makes it more accessible to families. 

Council subsequently approved the rezoning request, as well as a lot width variance to allow the lot to be subdivided, so two front to back duplexes could be developed.

Staff were also asked to monitor the parking situation on Churchill.

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit described the street as a neighborhood in transition with several modernized housing units ranging from single family to duplex to multi-family units.

"It is a very desirable location," he said. "A  duplex is a great opportunity to densify, compliment and create neighborhood charm."

This week's meeting wasn't the first time, residents have raised concerns about duplex construction in the area.

In 2014, residents objected to duplex construction in the area, saying they don't fit in with the older homes in the neighbourhood.