253 replies to this topic

[Barra]

This is about land use planning, planning that is appropriate for the site, and the overall lack of affordable rental housing in Victoria.

Generally speaking, if the city allows the demolition of well built rental property that is currently available at a reasonable rent, then they need to come up with a "no net loss" policy where the developer is required to provide low rent housing either on the site or on another site. Other municipalities have come up with ways to deal with this.

And if any of you well educated critics would like to change places with a disabled person in order to get supported housing, I'm sure they would be happy to give you the opportunity. And if you are successful at completing the 20 page application form for income assistance that these people have to cope with, you will be doing well, indeed......

[Mike K.]

Honestly, is that really an issue? If income assistance requires a 20-page application, it requires a 20-page application. If someone requires aid in filling out their application aid is most definitely available. But that is beyond the point.

Anyways, this building, if in fact it is in good shape (both physically inside/outside and seismically), does not need to be demolished and the developer would be wise to sit on it until it requires substantial renovations that make building anew a reasonable alternative. There are plenty of empty parking lots that deserve infill more than the lot in question.

[Caramia]

That aid is definitely not available Mike. I've helped a couple of people through that process, one with autism, one with debilitating arthritis (the kind where your hands turn into useless claws and your joints need to be replaced) Both were people you would look at and immediately know that there is no way that this person is going to be able to be functional in the work force. Nevertheless, I was totally confused by the process and the forms, and it took months to get them through all the hoops correctly, during which time both individuals had to rely on the food bank, soup kitchens and goodwill of friends and "do-gooder" strangers. I found this difficult with an MA and a fully functional brain. I can't imagine dealing with that bureaucracy if I was actually sick. I suppose it has to be this difficult, in order to convince people that it isn't the "easy way"

I actually agree with the no-net loss idea, however I think it should be rolled in with density bonusing and other incentives, so that the developers don't have to cut corners and can still make the projects viable. Replacing old rental with new rental is a good thing in general.

I also think that covenants that restrict strata councils from forbidding renting of suits should be standard in all new condos. It should not be legal to forbid someone to rent out their property.

[Mike K.]

I suppose it has to be this difficult, in order to convince people that it isn't the "easy way"

And I would expect nothing less. Government can't show compassion to one segment of the population and rear its ugly head at another. Who are they to judge, right?

Anyways, for the most part the government takes care of those who require assistance. We often seem to forget just how lucky we are as Canadians to have the safety nets that we do. Much of the world would only dream to have a 20-page form between them and the government assistance Canadians are privy to.

[Mike K.]

If anyone is interested in seeing a small model of this proposal, it's located at Frank D'ambrosio's office at Selkirk Waterfront (on the bottom floor of the new four-storey condo with the wood paneling).

It's a fairly large (think bulk, like those 13-storey brick buildings in Vic West near the Esq. border) building with what appeared to be a slight curvature on all(?) sides. Lots of glass, though, which is always nice. Is it out of place among the other condos along Douglas that face the park? Not really. Definitely fits the "status quo" for that area of Douglas.

[Rob Randall]

This proposal will be presented to the Fairfield CA in a few weeks. The architect is Charles Kierultf of dH+K.

[G-Man]

Do you mean the JBNA? As Fairfield is about half a K from here.

[Rob Randall]

Oops, my mistake.

[Holden West]

Victoria News

James Bay hosting AGM

The James Bay Neighbourhood Association will hold its annual general meeting tonight (April 9) at 6:30 p.m. at New Horizons, 234 Menzies St.

Elections will be held for executive positions.

Following the AGM, the association will hold its regular monthly meeting for April. On the agenda ia a discussion of zoning variances for a property at 200 Douglas St., a grant submission for an air traffic noise study and other committee reports.

[Baro]

anyone who takes a picture of the model and posts it here will get a gold star

[cluseau]

Did anyone go to this meeting? Mrs B?

[Ms. B. Havin]

Mrs B?

Moi? No, madame was indisposed... Actually I forgot about this, been really busy with work-related matters...

Anyone else go?

[cluseau]

JBNA has posted the minutes for the April meeting on their website (jbna.org, right hand side).

Seems the developer changed architects, and lowered the bldg to 7 storeys, but still requires variances.

[Rob Randall]

The proposal was tabled this morning in order to gather more info on including some sort of below market housing on the ground floor.

Because the existing zoning calls for no residential on the ground floor (a relic of the Corbusier era of tower design) the planned ground floor suites would count as an extra floor. The JBNA would like these suites made affordable in return. Council seemed to feel like it was a fair trade. Councillor Madoff felt the design of the building was "dull".

[aastra]

If they could find a way to insert some affordable townhouses on the ground floor I'd be rooting for this one in a big way. Assuming, of course, that the design is good.

...the planned ground floor suites would count as an extra floor. The JBNA would like these suites made affordable in return. Council seemed to feel like it was a fair trade.

A "fair trade" for what? So now developers who want to design a decent ground floor have to pay for the privilege? As you describe it, it sounds completely nuts.

[Rob Randall]

Yes, extra residences over and above what the zoning allows. But as was pointed out at the meeting, the zoning was written in an era where giant lobbies surrounded by reflecting pools were considered good design. One Councillor said (looking at the Mayor), "You mean architects have fads?!" and the reply (looking at Councillor Young) was, "And economists have fads too?!".

[gumgum]

Proposal to raze apartments worsens rental crunch: council
City's record-low vacancy rate sparks calls to increase affordable housing
Carolyn Heiman, Times Colonist
Published: Saturday, June 21, 2008

[VicHockeyFan]

Developer Dennis Nyren said the building is in poor shape and has a "terrible carbon footprint," with its inefficient oil-burning furnace and single-paned windows.

I like the use of the "environmental footprint" card played this time on the "other foot(print)".

[Rob Randall]

This is still working its way through City Hall.

[Mike K.]

Renderings of the 12-storey design can be viewed here.