I watched a few pieces of the council meeting yesterday. What really stood out was the shadowing comparison between what is proposed vs. what would be allowed within the allowed 20m height. It was a neat way to illustrate the differences (which were minor).
The sunlight for the 8 or so properties that could be effected was particularly only a concern in the winter months as the June to Sept timeframe didn't seem to shadow even much of the detached alley garage in most places.
They are right that the development will significantly shadow their property in the winter months (as opposed to a vacant lot). Not sure how this would be any different with a 20m building vs. 22.5m. Perhaps 53 degrees north is real metric that is too high for some residents?
I have heard Rollin Stanley's argument of towers vs. blocks a few times, I think this applies here. Blocks are more human scale and generally more attractive, however you lose sunlight for much more of your day then a podium+point tower that is much higher but skinnier. Imagine trying to put in a 14 storey point tower here!
I understand the fear and "slippery slope" perceptions, but I don't see how they could get a better outcome by forcing a strict 20m design. The property offers substantial public space improvements with the plaza space, creative and attractive retail to help the strip along, not to mention more new residents to support local retail than exist in the 2 blocks to the north that are in question about the shadowing issue. The plaza space and attractiveness of the retail are entirely dependent on getting the extra 2.5m, otherwise the massing has to shift which removes the plaza / live-work lofts on the rear of the structure.
Given that the sun to the backyards is maintained for most of the warm months, I hardly see that as a bad deal for the community. But I understand where the residents are coming from. I think their fear has clouded out all the positives this proposal offers.
Either way, Bridgeland and the Beltline seem completely willing to take up any developers that get turned off my the strength of Inglewood's Nimbyism. Without more residents to support retail, there is a real risk Inglewood can begin to slip against booming main-streets in the Beltline, Kensignton and elsewhere that seem to be able to densify and improve their quality of public/retail spaces without nearly the same uproar.
In 20 years it is entirely possible that Bridgeland, Marda Loop and Centre St/Edmonton Trail will be a bigger retail destination than Inglewood if they don't start opening the doors to development.
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