Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Re-Zoning for Social Housing Projects: Part 2

Last night Laura Stannard spoke on behalf of JFSA at City Hall public hearing. She spoke regarding the re-zoning of 146 units for singles and female-led households, located at 606 Powell Street. Laura was successful as the council voted unanimously to approve all 146 units!

City staff had originally recommended lowering the height and density of the Powell Street building in discussion, which would have meant the loss of 11 new affordable homes. These homes had actually been previously approved for funding by BC Housing.

The reason for this recommendation, City staff indicated, addressed concerns raised by the Urban Design Panel, and advisory committee that gives impartial and profession advice on any proposal or policy affecting the city's physical environment.

After reading through the Urban Design Panel's minutes, Laura discovered that there were actually no concerns raised regarding the height or density of the building. Laura suggested that by reducing the aforementioned building by 10ft, the only accomplishment would be to satisfy those who are against social housing in their neighbourhood.

Laura continues to speak on behalf of JFSA on Thursday at City Hall for the re-zoning of 103 units at Broadway & Fraser which will be run by Vancouver Native Health and Broadway Youth Resources.

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