Dear Editor:
The development proposed for the 1300-block of Marine Drive in West Vancouver is more horizontally massive than what was implied at the public meetings (Plans Unveiled for WV's Gateway, Oct. 19, North Shore News). It looks like the hulk of a beached cruise ship, despite the clever rendering.
If the image published in your paper is to be believed, these eight-and seven-storey towers are level with the three-storey structures on the west side of 14th street. This aerial depiction is very deceptive, showing lots of green on the roofs and decks and very little shadow thrown onto Marine Drive to disguise what is truly an imposing concrete structure, covering the entire block.
People walking or driving in the area would in reality have a street view which would show this development for the mass of concrete that it is, overshadowing the entire area and dwarfing adjacent buildings.
I have lived in Ambleside for 30 years. Previous councils could see and appreciate the unique and precious atmosphere of a village by the sea and put in place an OCP to limit more strictly the height of buildings in Ambleside. Yet, this and the last council seem determined to give this up to turn our Ambleside into the West End.
This is no "real catalyst to revitalize Ambleside." No, this is the catalyst to give up a jewel to favour the interest of the developer and 88 wealthy residents of this development. If this is "in line with what the municipality has in mind for the area," what's next?
Please give this matter more public debate.
Patricia McClintick West Vancouver
