I have sent the following letter to the Mayor and Council:
I write to you to express my concern about the proposed towers at 1215 Bidwell Street and 1401 Comox Street.
My concern is not with these two developments per se. I believe that the West End should expect a certain amount of density because of our location and amenities. And yes, we do need more rental housing. As a tenant and the former chair of the Mole Hill Community Housing Society, I am well aware of the need for affordable rental accommodation in the West End. And I do not share the concern of some West End residents regarding the loss of “views” of the water and/or mountains. In the West End we all live close enough to the water that a five-minute walk to either English Bay or Coal Harbour is all we need to get one of the best views in the world.
My concern is that without a West End vision in place, other properties will be bought up by developers and other proposals put forward, with the siren call of “more affordable housing”. As you know there are many aging low-rise rental buildings that are probably nearing the end of their lifespan and therefore ripe for redevelopment in the West End. If these two redevelopments are allowed to go ahead, there will be pressure put on these other properties to be redeveloped and, without a community vision in place, before we know it, the ambiance that makes the West End a livable neighbourhood will be destroyed. Right now there is a good mix of towers, low rises and houses. But if more towers are built (and once you agree to one tower, what justification will you have for refusing others?) that delicate balance will be destroyed. We need to find smart solutions to increasing affordable housing without destroying existing neighbourhoods.
Please, I urge you to put a hold on these two proposals and to speed up the process of developing a community vision for the West End.
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