I am concerned about the proposed development of a 30-storey tower in uptown at 616-640 Sixth St. The city recently adopted a new Official Community Plan (OCP), and several of its goals and policies will be violated if the proposal goes through. I live in a neighbouring tower, and my only significant view past the nine other towers within a block of mine will be entirely obstructed by this development.
Although I support densification, I believe we need to pursue this goal in a healthy and fair manner. The vision statement of our new OCP seeks to create a city that is “socially minded” and “keeps not just physical, but mental health in mind.” I fear that if we continue building more and more towers in tight proximity, we will be fostering the creation of a lifeless concrete jungle, with residents unconnected to each other and our province’s natural beauty. More closed blinds will be inevitable when the windows they hide provide views only to concrete and glass. When a tower goes up, we need to ensure minimal impact on existing developments. I am glad the OCP recognizes this necessity in multiple sections and hope the city recognizes it in practice when considering developments such as this.
The tower will also negatively affect the community at large. Tearing down the existing building will displace a variety of beloved local businesses. The Waffle House has been a local staple for 62 years, Lifetime Eyecare has been voted Best Eyeglasses in New West since 2008, and Best Optometrist since 2009 in your paper’s very own Reader’s Choice Awards. Prime Denture Clinic has also been voted Number 1 in its category three years in a row, and New West Cobbler has been voted Best Shoe Repair for 18 years. Of course, these are not the only businesses that will be forced to move (or, more likely for some of them, shut down). I am not alone in thinking that tearing down these businesses’ home in favour of short-term construction jobs is short-sighted. In fact, two goals of the OCP are to foster our “economy and employment” while simultaneously protecting our “culture.”
For those who closely followed the OCP adoption process, they will remember many major thoroughfares throughout the city were originally proposed to be rezoned from detached homes to townhouses. Due to residents’ outcry, the city decided to maintain many of those streets zoning as detached. Most notable of these changes was Fifth Street, a mere block away from this proposed development. I trust the city will treat the residents of its uptown towers with the same sympathy it did to its detached homeowners.
I encourage all interested parties to attend Orr Developments’ open house, Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Lord Kelvin Elementary School.
Brendan Demyen is a New Westminster resident.
