Despite Prince George city council's agreement that residents near an upcoming Spruce Street development deserve better lighting, a resident had one thing to say about how she felt council addressed her concerns.
"They didn't," said Spruce Street Strata President Shannon Euverman.
"I've prayed for something to be developed," at the spot, she said, but not as it stands.
Euverman said the eight units in her building didn't support a proposal for a not-for-profit seniors housing complex, which passed third reading unanimously Monday night.
But council members had a very different outlook on what the 27-unit, three-storey apartment will mean for the area.
Coun. Jillian Merrick said the choice was between delaying development and forcing action on neighbourhood improvements or facilitating those updates by approving the project in hopes it will lead to change.
"I'm certainly inclined to see the latter, that this neighbourhood will see improvement with improved development and investment on a property that's been a problem property for years," said Merrick, who has walked the area with residents.
"Lighting is located on the opposite side of the street from the sidewalk so folks are virtually walking in the dark, unless they're walking in the middle of the street, so that's a concern."
She said she'd like to see lighting strongly emphasized as staff work on the development permit.
"There's no question that particular area requires lighting," said Mayor Lyn Hall before asking what the city can do.
City staff said they will work with applicant on on-site improvement and could reach out to BC Hydro to see if the poles in the area could be upgraded.
"I think there's a chance for us to do something there with Hydro," agreed Hall.
Both Euverman and the strata's vice-president Si Transken said lighting is the easy fix and shouldn't be the sole focus.
"My concerns were more than just lighting," said Transken, saying the harassment from people in the alleys is constant.
"It's been eight years of unrelenting hassle and stress," said Transken, adding residents have tried to make it safer, cleaner and brighter. She would be in favour of the application if the city ensured appropriate safeguards are put in place.
Another resident who purchased a property adjacent to the development said he's planning to fix up his building and supports the applicant, M'akola Development Services for the Aboriginal Housing Society. The society has said it will put in fencing in the front and back of the property and is working with the RCMP to put in security cameras
"The nonprofit sector in this community has an excellent record of managing properties of this nature," said Coun. Murry Krause, before praising the Aboriginal Housing society specifically.
"Very often these kinds of development only help the neighbourhood, especially when you've got a big vacant lot across the street."
