Commercial Drive rental development divides residents

A proposal to build more than 100 rental units in East Vancouver is highlighting the tension between homeowners anxious to preserve their single-family neighbourhoods, and those desperate for affordable housing.

On Thursday night Vancouver City Council heard from residents about the proposed development on Commercial Drive and East 18th Avenue. The proposal by the Cressey Development Group would see several single-family lots rezoned to make way for about 117 rental units.

Many at the public hearing on Thursday were opposed to the development because they say it is too big, too dense and doesn't fit the character of the neighbourhood. It would also see dozens of trees removed to make space for a six-storey building and some townhouse units.

Ann Webborn has lived in the area for decades and is opposed to the development plan.

"It doesn't fit into the neighbourhood and it looks ugly," said Webborn. "I want affordable housing for young people to live in Vancouver, but not six stories high."

Units needed

But Kyle MacDonald, who lives nearby, disagrees, saying the new rental units are just what is needed  in a city that has a vacancy rate of 0.6 percent.

"It's really sad that old wealthy people who own homes are blocking development for young people in the city," said MacDonald.

MacDonald said the neighbourhood is already becoming unaffordable for many.

"There's Porsches all over the street and I don't have a problem with that, but what I do have a problem with is people who do drive a Porsche blocking development of affordable housing for people of my age and with children of their own." 

Vancouver City Council is expected to make a decision on the proposal at its next council meeting.

Another proposal to build a 12-story tower near Commercial Drive and Venables Street has also generated significant opposition from local residents. That project would include market housing along with supportive housing units and a drop-in mental health centre.