Jan 26, 2010
Subject: Rezoning Application - 1569 West 6th
Hello Karen-
I attended the Public information Meeting last week on this proposed rezoning. As a result of information obtained there and from your website, I must express my strong opposition to this proposal.
The proposed development is much higher density than allowable under the established zoning, and higher than any other projects in the vicinity. I believe I heard that the existing building adjoining the site is already overbuilt, and borrowed density from this site, and that this project is purchasing additional density from the bank. This puts both sites at a much higher density than any other project in the area.
Vehicular access to the site is very poor. There is inadequate parking proposed for the size of the units, and access to the parking is tortuous. The street and lane system in this block is incomplete, and would have difficulty accommodating a conventional building, let alone a super-dense development.
The proposed 15-storey height is completely out of context with the neighbourhood. The adjoining buildings range from 2 to 6 storeys in height, and will be severely over-shadowed. Recent projects nearby range from 4 to 11 storeys. There is no 15-storey building on the north side of 6th Avenue anywhere, nor anything west of Granville.
The proposed 45-metre height violates the current zoning (9 metres), and the adjoining zoning (18 metres), and exceeds any existing rezoned site in the vicinity. The proposed building would also block public and private views.
If approved, the project would become a precedent for other rezoning and super-dense buildings in the area.
The Burrard Slopes neighbourhood was created by City Council over 20 years ago, and has struggled to establish its identity. It has done so with no support from the City as it deals with traffic, crime, lack of parks, and other issues. However, recently there has been progress. Several new buildings have been completed, within the established zoning, and residents are becoming organized to try to improve the neighbourhood. This neighbourhood already has to deal with a Special-Needs Facility to be built on Fir Street, and does not need the further burden of a super-dense project looming over it.
For all of these reasons, I must oppose the proposed rezoning. I understand a previous development proposal for the site was prepared by Arthur Erickson's company, and approved by the City. This approved project should proceed, and the current rezoning proposal should be rejected.
Sincerely,
Another concerned local resident
