Dear Editor:
Awake, citizens! Awake before it is too late. The exorbitant density in the City of North Vancouver is battling with a fragile environment and you the people with the extra traffic, noise and pollution. In 2011 the Onni Group proposed a three-tower development at the 13th and Lonsdale Safeway site which council rejected. In 2012, Onni is now proposing two towers (240' and 180') and a four-storey commercial building. Onni owns approximately 100,000 square feet with an official floor space ratio (FSR) of 2.6. Onni is requesting a FSR of 4.5 which is more than 75 per cent over the official community plan.
I do have a vested interest in this proposal. In 2001, the city dedicated the Stella Jo Dean Plaza on 14th Street adjacent to the new development. This tiny park is enjoyed by the neighbouring community. The two towers and commercial building will overshadow the plaza making it a non-entity. As part of their proposal, Onni is offering an extension of the plaza which I think is ludicrous. It would essentially create a dark tunnel bordered on one side by the existing Grand condo tower and on the other side by the four-storey commercial building.
In my opinion, Onni would be doing a great service to the city if they forgo constructing the commercial building and extend the park south making a large open green space. I truly believe this is what the community would like to see in this neighbourhood.
Stella Jo Dean North Vancouver
