The West End Community Plan is on the City’s agenda for Wednesday November 20th. The Plan will guide rezoning and development in the West End, and focuses growth along four main corridors.

In most cases, rezoning applications will require a CAC contribution as part of the public benefit strategy, or will require a substantial social housing component.

Contact me for more information on the Plan and opportunities for redevelopment.

Changes made by the developer to Plaza 88’s proposed fourth tower have done little to appease New Westminster council.

The Degelder Group wants to build a 40-storey highrise with 500 rental units—235 studios and 265 one bedrooms ranging from 312 to 570 square feet—at 900 Carnarvon St. The structure would also include six floors of above-ground parking.

“When I saw this I was really upset. I can understand why when Plaza 88 was originally developed and built there were seven floors of above-ground parking, but at the same token I don’t think that is needed here. They’re also asking for 40 floors which is huge,” said Coun. Bill Harper, who also slammed the small size of the units, at the Nov. 4 council meeting.

“The whole thing is problematic for me. I can’t see myself supporting this. Just because they say they can sell those units today doesn’t mean they’re going to be what we want 10 to 15 years from now. I have real problems with this whole process.”

Read more: http://www.newwestnewsleader.com/news/231616591.html

Within the Marpole Community Plan, the City of Vancouver has identified Granville Street, from West 57th down to Marine Drive, as a focal point for densification. This comes after the Granville at 70th project on the old Safeway site is already nearing completion. The Granville “high street” area is mostly commercially zoned, with some residential zoning on the periphery. The City’s concept is to strengthen and enhance the area as a walkable, mixed use neighbourhood centre with a variety of shops, services, restaurants, and a mix of housing.

There a presently few opportunities for development in the area given small lot sizes and high property values.

Highlights for Granville

• Reinforces the “heart of Marpole” and welcoming place to Vancouver
• Adds new development and improvements to public spaces to support shops and services
• Focuses higher buildings (6-12 storeys) and more density on Granville Street
• Creates strong walking and cycling connections to transit and other key destinations such as school, parks, and the Fraser River

Read more here: http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/marpole-community-plan-granville.aspx