The first steps have been taken to expand an affordable-living complex in Black Diamond. Town council gave unanimous approval of a site-specific zoning amendment for the future expansion of the Main Street Village at its public meeting on Dec. 5 in Black Diamond. However, that doesn’t mean the shovel will go in the ground in the immediate future. “They have to get the water [infrastructure] completed,” said Quentin Brown, the developer for Main Street Village located at 202 2nd St. “It’s going to be a good year, year-and-a-half at least before we get started [on construction].” A building permit cannot be issued until the water is provided. At present there is a 16-unit complex and two six-plexes, a total of 28 at the site. The new proposal would add another 16-unit complex, bringing the total to 44 units. No one spoke against the proposal at the Dec. 5 public hearing. “The proposed additional building will be identical to the first apartment building, it will be a second 16-unit two-storey apartment building,” Black Diamond planning manager Rod Ross told council. “This is all zoned R-2X, so it primarily allows townhousing.” One of the amendments to the zoning bylaw concerned parking. The requirements for 44 units is 99 — 88 for the units (two per unit) and 11 visiting spots. Main Village has proposed 90. “It would be nine stalls less than what is required by zoning,” Ross said. “The applicant is asking for a reduction in stalls.” He added many of the units are single-occupancy, as well several of the residents do not own a vehicle or are not able to drive, the two-vehicles per unit figure may not be needed at the facility. “It’s been the experience of the applicant that parking usage has been very minimal,” Ross said. “Many of the stalls are currently vacant.” The addition of the units would push Main Street Village past the R-2X limit of 37 units/hectare. The approved amendment extended that to 54 units for the area. Although the expansion is a ways down the road, deputy mayor Ted Bain said the addition of more affordable housing is positive for the community. “We do have some affordable housing,” Bain said. “It is good for the community and is needed.”
