This one might get a rough ride. There's already been opposition to it from the ward councillor and others.
http://www.insidehalton.com/news-sto...-appleby-mall/
http://votemarianne.ca/downtown-wate...re-burlington/
I don't think a tall tower is that out of place, given the other development planned or under way on nearby blocks. The developer probably anticipates a request to reduce the height so I bet they proposed 28-storeys while being prepared to build 20-25.
Burlington's lack of available new development land means people have to get used to intensification, but it's going to remain a battle, especially in the centre of town. On some main streets elsewhere in the city there is plenty of space to add mid-rises, but something taller is acceptable downtown IMO. The trick will be balancing it against all the existing low-rise townhouses and older homes.