By ROY WOOD

Two Oliver re-zoning applications – one major, one minor – sailed through public hearing on Monday with no objections from members of the public.

The re-zoning with the largest potential impact on the town involves the so-called “Forbes property,” a nearly three-hectare parcel northeast of the corner of Co-op Avenue and Sawmill Road. The hearing was over a change from agricultural to high-density residential zoning.

The proposed “Oliver Landing” development will eventually include 117 units of low-cost housing including fourplexes, townhouses and condominiums. The plans called for a phased development, beginning with eight units in the southeast corner.

Council unanimously passed third reading of the re-zoning bylaw after a lone member of the public asked an informational question about the future of the adjacent former railway right-of-way. A representative from developer Canadian Wetlands said the right-of-way is owned by the town but remains part of the long-term plans for the development.

At an earlier council meeting, concern was expressed about the development’s adjacency to the town works yard on its southern boundary. Jennifer Massig, speaking for Canadian Wetlands, said plans call for a strip of vegetation and a “sound attenuating fence” to mitigate possible visual and audible intrusions.

The other re-zoning was over increasing the density of the Meadows Drive residential development from 51 units to 63 by decreasing the minimum size of the individual lots.

The only public concern expressed was for ready access to the hike and bike trail along the Okanagan River.

Developer spokesman Brad Elenko said there is public access along a walkway on crown land and that the development plans call for a passage to the river trail at the south end.

Council decided to wait for the return of the absent Mayor Ron Hovanes at the next council meeting to vote on third reading of the rezoning bylaw.

Chief administrative officer Cathy Cowan cautioned council not to discuss or accept information about the re-zoning in question before the vote on May 24.