Dear Editor:
People may be unaware there is a major development proposal in process for the northwest corner of 13th Street and Lonsdale Avenue. Hollyburn Properties is proposing to build a 19-storey (190 foot) rental tower. A town hall meeting has been scheduled for April 21.
This is an important corner in our city. The proposed building would be a tall wall along Lonsdale, too close to the street, too high next to city hall and would overshadow the plaza and library – which has been lauded for its solar features.
The Blue Shore Centre on the southeast corner is a very visually attractive, lower-height building and the Prescott tower is set back from Lonsdale – with a total height of about 12 storeys. Even the Onni tower being built on the northeast corner has more setback and less height than this tower will have.
This proposal exceeds the official community plan in both height and density.
Surely there can be a design and appropriate-sized building that would complement the Blue Shore corner and city hall plaza.
Where is the “aesthetically compatible” design (as noted in the OCP) happening for this corner? The building design itself is reasonable but the height and “wall” along Lonsdale are not attractive. The community vision for each side of Lonsdale is to leave the first half-block with lower buildings, then taller towers beyond, giving a sense of space and light along the street.
Why is the OCP being ignored after hundreds of people spoke up against overheight and densification, and managed to gain agreement on having maximum height and density numbers?
There is a town hall meeting on Thursday, April 21, 6-8 p.m. at the Pinnacle Hotel.
Be there, look at the plans and give your feedback.
Linda Heese
North Vancouver
Editor’s note: The site is included as a special study area within the OCP. Both the OCP amendment request and the rezoning application are subject to public and council review.
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
