Rezoning process will fix ‘mistake’
It was caused by a “typo,” but the property at 521-529 Comerford St. will have to go through the whole rezoning process before it can be redeveloped.
In Esquimalt’s original Official Community Plan from 1996, the land was zoned as DND federal land, when it was supposed to be commercial mixed-use, Mayor Barb Desjardins said. “We’re just correcting a mistake.”
A recent sale of the property means it will have to be rezoned to its intended condition, she added.
The next step in the process is a public hearing on the change, before the rezoning can be approved by council. The hearing hasn’t been scheduled.
Faster clean-up of graffiti sought
The delicate balance of encouraging businesses to clean up graffiti – on a reasonable timeline – was discussed by Esquimalt council Monday.
Coun. Meagan Brame brought a motion that graffiti should be cleaned up quickly in the township, but without causing a burden for businesses.
The motion asked staff to come up with a plan that could support businesses with funds to supply paint, for example and encourage work with ETAG (Esquimalt Together Against Graffiti) volunteers to help with clean-up efforts.