Vancouver city hall pauses housing project decision until after fall election

Vancouver city hall issued notice this week that the final step needed for a massive new housing project in a heavily trafficked neighbourhood will be deferred for at least six months.

In the meantime, the developer has cast the deferral as an opportunity to make the project even bigger. The current proposal is for three 29-storey towers, two of them rental, with 93 of the 438 apartments at below-market rates. There would be another 215 ownership apartments, a grocery store and other retail and office space, a public plaza, and parking for almost 1,400 bicycles.

Mr. Clow’s statement said he was “disappointed” at the decision to defer the hearing until after a new council is elected in October, but did not go beyond that, even though the move has caused consternation at city hall and among the public. Mr. Stewart said public hearings have changed and become much longer, because people can now phone in instead of having to wait around to speak in person. “That has changed the dynamics.”

City council always breaks for a full month in August and, from now until then, it still is hearing from the almost 300 people who signed up to support or oppose a social-housing project in Kitsilano, another 50 speaking to the city’s Vancouver Plan, and speakers on several other issues. There is almost no time set aside for public hearings before the civic election Oct. 15 and, typically, councils don’t like to make big decisions weeks before an election.

Another attempt to keep high home prices by the gatekeepers.

Well that's a good idea! Don't house people who need it and could be a vote for you until AFTER they vote against you ......

Delay is better than denial - it costs more and serves as a warning to anyone who might propose future work. Delay also gives politicians a way of avoiding clear decisions for which they can be held accountable, while claiming it’s to “enhance engagement”.

Why no coverage on the Dutch Farmers ? WHY ? The MSM doesn't want you to see how big the Dutch Farmers protest is getting.

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