General Vancouver Updates

[Migrant_Coconut]

They're following the old CP track. Northbound one goes to Senakw.

[officedweller]

... and the southbound set goes to the Arbutus RoW via Fir St.

[Lexus]

2020 May 4
Avenue One

Untitled by Lexus, on Flickr

[Feathered Friend]

COUNCIL MEMBER’S MOTION
6. Improving the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Development Application Processes
Submitted by: Mayor Stewart

WHEREAS
1. The B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing undertook a one-year Development Approval Process Review over 2018 and 2019 with UBCM officials, local government officials and staff, developers and homebuilders, non-profit housing representatives, community neighbourhood representatives and academics to make the municipal government development process more effective and efficient;

2. The Development Approvals Process Review final report released in September 2019 made resolving lengthy and complicated internal staff development approvals processes a high priority;

3. The City of Vancouver requires applicants, as part of current operational procedure, to make a rezoning enquiry before they may submit a development application; and

4. This rezoning enquiry is not mandated by either the Vancouver Charter or the Zoning and Development By-law.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT all rezoning enquiries are voluntary, not mandatory, for development applications.

https://council.vancouver.ca/documents/b6.pdf

This seems like a common sense decision to me. Not only would removing all the costs associated with that step help boost the affordability of some projects, it would give the average person more of an idea of how many projects are actually submitted, rather than having them killed off behind the scenes.

[misher]

Originally Posted by Feathered Friend

https://council.vancouver.ca/documents/b6.pdf

This seems like a common sense decision to me. Not only would removing all the costs associated with that step help boost the affordability of some projects, it would give the average person more of an idea of how many projects are actually submitted, rather than having them killed off behind the scenes.

I think knowing if your application will be approved beforehand is helpful.

Developers lose a ridiculous amount of money when the city denies application that meet all requirements.

Just like the rental townhouse project in Shaunnessy, would be nice if developers knew that the city will say no no matter what even if they follow all the rules set out.

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by misher

I think knowing if your application will be approved beforehand is helpful.

Developers lose a ridiculous amount of money when the city denies application that meet all requirements.

Just like the rental townhouse project in Shaunnessy, would be nice if developers knew that the city will say no no matter what even if they follow all the rules set out.

Er, no, this won't tell a developer what Council will decide. It just means they can submit a rezoning without an initial inquiry. If they want. It might mean more rezonings getting turned down - or have to be resubmitted. Much more importantly for Feathered Friend, it might mean fewer pre-application Open Houses to go to.

[Migrant_Coconut]

So as I understand it, developers could now skip the open house and go straight to the UDP and Council?

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

So as I understand it, developers could now skip the open house and go straight to the UDP and Council?

I think there would still be a City open house, but not the earlier Developers open house that sometimes occurs, and that gauges the level of local opinion. The feedback can sometimes change the subsequent application, but for some projects it just adds extra time without any significant benefit.

[misher]

Originally Posted by Changing City

Er, no, this won't tell a developer what Council will decide. It just means they can submit a rezoning without an initial inquiry. If they want. It might mean more rezonings getting turned down - or have to be resubmitted. Much more importantly for Feathered Friend, it might mean fewer pre-application Open Houses to go to.

Thanks for explaining.

Isn’t an inquiry a good way to tell public and government expectations, revise, and then come back if it’s possible?

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by misher

Thanks for explaining.

Isn’t an inquiry a good way to tell public and government expectations, revise, and then come back if it’s possible?

Sure, if a developer is proposing a rezoning that's 'ambitious' in its proposed height or density, it could well make sense. But a project that's just a bit bigger than the zoning allows, or fits in policy (like a high density office that nevertheless fits within height and shadowing policy) could probably safely skip that step. It's going to be voluntary whether to submit an inquiry first; right now it's required.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by misher

Isn’t an inquiry a good way to tell public and government expectations, revise, and then come back if it’s possible?

Could that also give more time for the NIMBYs to rally the troops and keep pressure on?

[misher]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Could that also give more time for the NIMBYs to rally the troops and keep pressure on?

Seems like they already have alot of time and are already organized into groups, but I get your point and your right that less time is always better.

[Feathered Friend]

Originally Posted by Changing City

Er, no, this won't tell a developer what Council will decide. It just means they can submit a rezoning without an initial inquiry. If they want. It might mean more rezonings getting turned down - or have to be resubmitted. Much more importantly for Feathered Friend, it might mean fewer pre-application Open Houses to go to.

I won't deny that writing a few less posts every month may have factored into our support for this motion.

[officedweller]

CityLink

Pics by me today:

[officedweller]

510 West Broadway

Pics by me today:

[Feathered Friend]

Vancouver’s Urban Design Panel goes digital May 13th. Up for review are 2 rental buildings. The 1st could replace the old Safeway at Fraser & 57th Ave with 95 homes, while the other hopes to add 35 homes under the Moderate Income Rental Program to Kitsilano

https://twitter.com/City_Duo/status/1259666490992689154?s=20

Unfortunately, due to recent events in our lives, there’s a fair chance neither of us will be able to view this meeting, but for those of you who are interested in doing so you can learn more at the link below.

https://vancouver.ca/your-government/urban-design-panel.aspx

https://twitter.com/City_Duo/status/1259666491839897601?s=20

[Feathered Friend]

May 12, 2020 - Public Hearing

In dealing with my dad’s estate, I’ve grown to appreciate the need for balance in one’s life. When is it okay to move forward? What should be saved, and what should be discarded? These aren’t easy choices, but ultimately to be alive, requires one to grow and respond to unexpected change. That’s true for individuals, and societies, which explains why all but one member of city council has recognized the need to move forward with the public hearing process.

This night will mark the first public hearing that will allow people to have their voices heard without being at city hall. Of course, there will likely be some kinks to work out, as even city councillors have been caught flushing toilets, and using colourful language. Which is why city staff have deliberately selected three items that have generated very little public interest, even though they will all contribute to protecting and growing Vancouver’s culture and history.

https://cityduo.wordpress.com/2020/05/11...er-looks-to-the-future-to-save-its-past/

[officedweller]

1465-1489 West Broadway

From Lawrence Black twitter May 13th:



https://twitter.com/LawrenceBlackTV


https://twitter.com/LawrenceBlackTV

[officedweller]

2nd & Main

By Lawrence Black May 13th:


https://twitter.com/LawrenceBlackTV


https://twitter.com/LawrenceBlackTV

[officedweller]

Arbutus Village

I did not expect painted concrete as the final finish.

By Lawrence Black May 13th:


https://twitter.com/LawrenceBlackTV


https://twitter.com/LawrenceBlackTV


https://twitter.com/LawrenceBlackTV


https://twitter.com/LawrenceBlackTV