Say NO to 5 storeys in Kitsilano! Keep Kits Quaint!

Keep Kitsilano quaint and charming - put a stop to the destruction of heritage and shops in the neighbourhood. To Orr Developments & The City of Vancouver Re: Redevelopment of 3002-3038 West Broadway 1) A five storey building is NOT an option. It will: - devalue the surrounding properties more than a four storey building - be completely out of scale to the surrounding buildings and neighbourhood - eliminate view corridors and any sense of privacy - Take away the charm, heritage and sense of what Kits is all about - quaint shops! These properties were purchased with the understanding that the commercial properties are zoned as 3.0 FSR. If the City of Vancouver approves five storeys as part of the “Rental 100” program, this would be a violation of this understanding, and would result in further property devaluation, increased loss of privacy, and elimination of any remaining view corridors that a four storey structure would provide. If 3.5 FSR is approved by the City, the City and Orr Developments can expect an injunction blocking construction, and the City can expect legal action from the the local residents and shop keepers. We argue that a condominium would have far less negative effect on property value than the proposed rental structure. We argue that given that this is a primarily owner-occupied neighbourhood, a rental building would be out of keeping with the desires of area residents. We would have no issue with the building of a 4 storey condominium. - Similar to condominiums, we would expect that there be a standard window finishing for all proposed rental units (i.e. vertical blinds), and that no window air conditioners be allowed. Mixed window coverings and protuberances such as air conditioners would negatively affect area property value. -For a rental building, we would expect there to be an effective complaints system set up for both building residents and neighbouring property owners in the event of undesirable behaviour on the part of any building residents. - There should be at least one underground parking spot provided for every unit in the proposed four storey building, AND an allowance (i.e. 10%) for visitor parking, as you would find in condominium developments. Otherwise, the already significant parking congestion in the area will worsen to the detriment of area residents and businesses. Orr Developments is clearly trying to save money on the size of the hole they would need to dig. - Any garbage areas at the rear of the property would need to be completely sealed from the outside (except when being emptied). This would help mitigate garbage compressor noise, smells, and rodents. - There should be a greater setback at the rear of the property to allow good flow for increased two-way traffic (20 feet will not be nearly enough, especially with several residences having garages). - There should be a setback on the Carnarvon side of the property to allow for some green space (grass and/or shrubs) – otherwise, what are they really bringing to the neighbourhood but a monolith? - Before any construction would begin, we would expect to be provided with a dust and noise abatement plan from the developer. Any contravention of accepted standards would be brought to the attention of the applicable authorities and litigated to the fullest extent of the law. - Before any construction would be begin, we would expect to be provided with firm time lines re: construction. Any overage in this regard would be met with possible legal action. If 3.5 FSR is approved by the City, the City and Orr Developments can expect an injunction blocking construction, and the City can expect legal action from the local residents.