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However, they changed their minds a week later after hearing complaints from nearby residents about the extra parking pressure.

Ingraham is appealing the decision by the city, which she said has pitted her against her neighbours rather than dealing with legitimate concerns about speeding and illegal U-turns by people looking for street parking.

“It’s a cautionary tale, because it’s not easy to open a business in Edmonton, especially a small, independent business,” she said in a later interview, adding she has received more than 600 letters of support for her planned 30-seat deli and coffee shop.

“To have staked our financial future in the community on this project and have it based on parking, that’s scary.”

The appeal board is expected to provide a written decision within two weeks.

One issue is the way parking requirements are calculated. A city development officer concluded the two eateries and 27 apartment homes overhead are deficient by 42 stalls, but under a newer bylaw the site is only short 18 parking spaces.

Residents of 82 Street around the corner from Cartago told the hearing their road is already lined with customer vehicles, and dangerous drivers make them feel unsafe.

“We used to live on a nice, quiet street. This house has been in our family since the 1950s,” Ken Hanasyk said.

“We have people who are inconsiderate, we have the safety concern. It has affected our overall quality of life.”

The street and adjoining Rowland Road has been at capacity since the pub opened, Dean Jaster said.

His camper occupies his back parking spot, so he sometimes has to park on 81 Street and walk home with groceries or kids when things are busy.

“We love the idea of a deli, an ice-cream place we can take the kids … We like the idea of people walking there or riding their bikes. Unfortunately, we live in Alberta and most people drive.”

gkent@postmedia.com

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