Beach Towers development approved by council
Posted February 26, 2013 4:17 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A plan to build new rental housing in Vancouver’s West End has been approved by council.
The Beach Towers development would create units.
“With 133 new rental units, this project is another important step toward meeting the urgent need for new rental housing in the West End and across Vancouver,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Over half of Vancouver’s population are renters and yet Vancouver’s rental stock has been in decline for decades. The City of Vancouver is committed to the creation of significant new rental housing in Vancouver to ensure we’re building a city that is more affordable and accessible for residents of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds.”
Randy Helton with the group West End Neighbours is disappointed with the way councillors dealt with opposition. “The people who did go to council were ignored or mocked and ridiculed and the final council decision totally ignored what they were saying.”
Helton says thousands of people had a different vision for the area. “The West End had a petition of 13,000 names that wanted a halt to the spot rezoning and to get a proper community plan. The planning process is underway now, but we’re still seeing these major rezonings coming through.”
There are four existing buildings surrounding the project, ranging from 19 to 21 storeys in height
Some residents had expressed concerns about affordability and views.
But the majority on council felt it would help with the city’s rental housing needs.
