City approves controversial 110 unit rental development on Commercial Drive
Vancouver's city council has approved a controversial new development along Commercial drive, saying it needs to balance the interests of those seeking affordable housing with the concerns of existing homeowners.
Council voted on Tuesday afternoon in favour of a rezoning application which would allow for a six-storey rental housing development to be built on Commercial Drive at East 18th Avenue.
"We want to build cohesive and strong neighbourhoods so we need to be responsive and respectful to the neighbourhood as much as we can but also balancing what we want to have happen — which is accommodate the growth that we know is coming," said councillor Raymond Louie on CBC's The Early Edition.
Coming to a decision on the 110-unit rental development was "very tough," said Louie, referring to the vigorous debate voiced by area residents.
Many who attended a public hearing on June 24 who were opposed to the development said it was too big, too dense and didn't fit the character of the neighbourhood.
Louie acknowledged the building was "certainly taller than what the neighbourhood is used to," but it wasn't a tall tower typical of downtown Vancouver.
He pointed out that nearby buildings are already in the four- to five-storey range, one of which was built by the same developer.
Ultimately, it was supporters who emphasised the city's 0.6 per cent vacancy rate that found a sympathetic ear in council.
"This is sitting well with that concept that we should try to accommodate people and make it a little bit more affordable," said Louie about Vancouver's housing prices. "We don't have enough rental in the city."
All 110 units are expected to be designated for rental housing.
Louie added that the facade of the existing 3.5 storey building will be preserved.
With files from the CBC's The Early Edition.
To hear the full story listen to the audio labelled: Why city council approved new development on Commercial Drive and E. 18th Ave.
