as reported on Castanet website, Kate Bouey Feb. 23/16:
Vernon is not open for business, according to a Chamber of Commerce-backed group representing developers and other groups in the construction industry.
The group, calling itself the Big Red committee, is urging the city to speed up efforts to ensure that housing is attainable for young families.
"out of this world water/sewer rates..."
Poster/commenter 'Spirit Rider'
“This is the most significant issue we are facing,” spokesperson Pam Owen told council on Monday, referring to the high price of a single family home in the Vernon area. “The simple truth is that the average family can`t afford the price of an average home that is on the market.”
Owen pointed to high development cost charges, for things like sewer hookups and sidewalks, that are charged to the developer and passed on to the buyer.
“We are hearing from many in the residential construction sector that land use regulations, along with development fees, are contributing to the high cost of land and putting home ownership out of the reach for average families,” Owen said.
She said construction of single homes, especially in the $350,000 range, should be close to double the 234 housing starts reported in 2014.
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce claims that new home construction last year generated almost $50 million in wages and close to 800 on and off-site jobs in the Vernon area.
“There is growing frustration,” said Phil Dyck, a chamber director. “Cut the red tape and streamline the development process.”
He called for a complete review of development cost charges and for a package of incentives for developers.
The group also called on the city to host an attainable housing and economic development forum to bring industry, city administration, and economic development officials together.
“You're holding our feet to the fire and I thank you for that,” said Coun. Brian Quiring, an architect, adding that council was working hard to improve the process.
“We are trying to get building permits out in three weeks. We're looking at trying to reduce off-site costs to help projects move along,” said Quiring. “Administration is trying to streamline the process as best we can,” he said, adding the city “will not sacrifice service for timing.”
Quiring also praised city staff. “We're not perfect but we have a great staff. We appreciate you being here as there is still a lot of room for improvement.”
"I heard 'we're not open for business'. Tell me what that means," said Mayor Akbal Mund, following the council meeting, adding that he is willing to sit down with developers to discuss their concerns.
"I'm not saying we're perfect but when you are one of the fastest growing communities that means people are coming here," said Mund.
1 Comment: •Then
these lower income homes will be hit with high taxes , out this world
Water/Sewer rates along with increases for any pie in the sky project city
council feels the city needs......people really have to check and compare the
city of Vernon rates , other areas are a lot better deal !
 |
| Vernon's Mayor is already there... |
"One of the fastest growing communities?" scorns Kia, adding "if you believe a population increase of 0.13% qualifies!"
Nonsense, as proven at this link from B.C. Business.
And Vernon isn't even listed in this link from Top 10 Towns, Western Investor.
One might be forgiven for wondering if Vernon's Mayor Mund gets his info from "Dreamland".
Idea: Considering that Mayor Mund serves on the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, he could spend his time in a Highway 97S booth and do Exit Interviews with people heading south!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Share YOUR thoughts here...