VANCOUVER, BC - REZONING PROPOSAL MOUNT PLEASANT

WE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE OPPOSED TO A REZONING PROPOSAL TO ALLOW AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH TOWER AT 180 KINGSWAY / 228 - 246 EAST BROADWAY BECAUSE:

• It does not preserve Mount Pleasant’s historic character. It will destroy the human-scale feeling of the area.


• It sets a precedent that will lead to more high-rise projects of this magnitude in the neighbourhood.


• It creates loading bays on Watson Street that will negatively impact pedestrians and bikes.


• It would cast long shadows on buildings and the streets to the north.  The open space within the project would be shadowed by the tall buildings.


• It does not respect the City’s guidelines for C-3A.


• Public and private views of the mountains would be lost.

WE REQUEST:

• That development be consistent with the current scale of the properties surrounding the “Heritage Heart” of Mount Pleasant.


• That Council consider an increase to the allowed height and density from 9.2 m (30 feet) to no more than 21.3 m (70 feet) with a high-low massing rhythm of up to a maximum 21.3 m (70 foot) tower surrounded by 2 to 4 storey buildings and an increase in the floor space ratio (FSR) from 1.00 to no more than 3.00.

BENEFITS:

• These recommendations respect the new Mount Pleasant Community Plan to increase height and density while maintaining the look and  feel of the area and keeping the human-friendly scale of the buildings surrounding the Heritage Heart of our community.


• If the developer chose wood frame construction it would decrease the cost to build and thereby promote affordability.  Wood frame construction is also better for the environment than concrete and glass towers.


• The form of development we are advocating will have less impact on land values, property taxes and rents in the neighbourhood, resulting in less displacement of low-income residents and small businesses.