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Council Opts to File Notice Against Title of Property

By 250 News

Monday, June 29, 2009 09:08 PM

 
Exterior wall is collapsing on this  strata development
Prince George, B.C.- Prince George City Council  has decided to  put a notice  against the building under construction  on Westmount Drive.
City Building Inspector,  Ernie Melezina says there have a been a number of issues with this development:
-August of 2008, a stop work order was issued for commencing construction without a building permit.
- October 2008- foundation permit issued and stop work order lifted
-December 2008, building permit issued for the construction of Phase 1, which consists of a building with 4 dwelling units, to be part of the proposed 33 unit strata development.
-April, 2009, correspondence sent to the applicant, Rite Homes, indicating there appear to be BC Building code, and Cit y Building Bylaw infractions and requesting voluntary compliance
-May 1, 2009 Similar correspondence sent to the registered owner of the property, 0786688 B.C. Ltd. The owner was given two weeks from the receipt of the letter to comply with the City’s request. That period started May 5th.
In his report to Council, Melezina says that since the foundation was not protected from the cold over the winter, a huge crack has appeared in the foundation. 
( see photo at right)
He also notes, the framing has failed ( with one wall collapsing) and the builder failed to put up proper barriers around the 8 foot excavation around the foundation and there was 3-4 feet of water in that trenching during spring melt.
Melezina says the only way this project could procede is if there is a detailed  report from a structural  engineer  saying the  foundation is  sound.
Council has also  approved  calling for some remedial action on this site:

1. That Council declares that the property located at 6713 Westmount Drive and legally described as Lot 84, District Lot 2003, Cariboo District Plan PGP41802, creates an unsafe condition and that there is a significant safety risk that requires immediate remedial action.

2. That Council imposes the remedial action of securing the site with a strongly constructed fence or barricade of at least 1.8 in height, upon the owner of the property, 0786688 B.C. Ltd.

3. That the time limit for compliance with the remedial action be set at seven days, commencing July 1, 2009.

4. That the time limit for notice of a request for City Council to reconsider the remedial action requirement be set at three days, commencing July 1, 2009.

Councilor Shari Green  offered thanks to the people in the neighbourhood for being so  patient in waiting for a  resolution that would "Clean up this mess in their neighbourhood."  Green told Council the issues at the site go beyond a safety  hazard "It is delapidaded and the moat around the foundation is creating a mosquito problem as well."

Councilor Debora Munoz says  putting up a fence is not enough, "I have received many emails from people in the neighbourhood complaining about this property." She says she would be much more in support for a stronger action.

Councilor Dave Wilbur says the site is dangerous and  putting up a fence is a little late and not enough, " I would be willing to investigate if there are other  actions that might be taken." He worries that a fence of about  6 feet high won't keep  adventurous children out of the  development which is deemed unsafe.  Councillor Murry Krause agreed,  saying for some,  a 6 foot  fence is less of a deterrant and more of a challenge.

The property owner now has three days to call for a special meeting of Council to deal with the remedial action.  If the property owner makes such a request, there would need to be  a special meeting of Council.

 

 


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Comments

"and the moat around the foundation is creating a mosquito problem as well."

Gee, I wish someone was/had been concerned about the mosquito habitat around my house!
A victim of the 'R' word? Sounds like the project has been abandoned. Council should act quickly to secure the site before some kid gets hurt or worse.
metalman.
Tear it down and fill the hole with dirt.
Tried calling Rita homes about another "abandoned" house. Seems like the phone number listed in out of service.