~~~ Norouz ~~~

MAIN ITEMS on Agendas March 11: 3pm Finance (Parks/Cmnty Services Fees and Charges); 4:30pm CotW (Transportation Plan; Amb Activation); 7pm Ccl Mtg Ambleside Activation Next Steps

== Lease/Sell Survey; Vive le Canada (Tekahionwake); from the EDITOR'S DESK; WVPD (BlockWatch re Identity Theft; Left-Hand Turns; WVPD on Twitter); UPDATES & INFO (Newsletters with range of events for you; WVSPCA; heritage and density; carbon tax; Lawson Pk; Amb Pk)

= CALENDAR to Mar 22: CULTUREWATCH (Theatre; Art; Sculpture; Music; Festivals); NATURE

= NOTICES: BREAKING NEWS: Highlights of Mar 4 mtg; HEADSUP 5A: Events; Mar 11 agendas

= MORE BREAKING NEWS: Lawson Pk; Events

= Ccl NOTES Mar 4th: Reconvened PH on West Van Florist rezoning before regular mtg: Chamber/Commerce Annual Report; Library's Teen Space (Opening); OCP Amendment 1300blk (Grosvenor) process;  Ambleside Activation Summary, Next Steps; Special Ccl Mtg 5pm Mar 6 -- READ THE AMENDED Schedule including a 3pm mtg Mar 11; CORRESPONDENCE: Traffic Optimization; Garbage Pickup Oddities; Five-Yr Financial/PSB (three letters) re inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and a 'doctored' doc (detailed info for watchful eyes); oodles on 1300blk/Grosvenor (mostly urging retention of village atmosphere); Cell Towers; List of effects of phone and other radiation; MANY letters supporting the Rugby Club's liquor licence; UBCM; Taylor Way's name; parking tix; great letter re Upper Lands; excellent survey by WRA re Spirit Trail); Staff Replies to letters including re parking; Seaview Walk; Spirit Trail; ... 

= Ccl AGENDAs Mar 11

= ANIMALWATCH (Arctic Camels; sloth makeup); INFObits (Stronach; Racism; Tree Licences); SCIENCEWATCH (Stonehenge); ROYALWATCH (HM; Commonwealth Day); PHOTOWATCH (Pet Expo: NS duck trolling retriever puppies, savannah cats); HEBRONWATCH (expulsions); PLANTWATCH (galanthophile); WORDWATCH (Norouz); HERITAGEWATCH; MAIKU; National Grammar Day; JOKE; QUOTATIONS/THOUGHTS/PUNS (Pistorius); CARTOON

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOUR OPINION on 1300block MARINE DRIVE -- LEASE OR SALE ?

lease1300@westvan.org OR sell1300@westvan.org ?

Email your choice (above), lease or sell. If you have already done so, pls ask your family, friends, colleagues to do so.

If we haven't lawyers/staff/personnel expert, intelligent, skilled enough to negotiate leasing, then buy other land from the money from the sale to replace it thus maintaining our land bank assets! PLEASE, Ccl.
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== Vive le CANADA ===

Pauline Johnson (native name: Tekahionwake) was born near Brantford, ON, on March 10, 1861 on the Grand River reserve; a Mohawk Chief father and an English immigrant mother. She died 100 years ago, March 7, 1913. She wrote a series of stories about local native legends told to her by Chief Joe Capilano (of the Squamish). Her book, Legends of Vancouver, is still in print. She named Lost Lagoon and wrote a famous poem about it. At that time it was a tidal lagoon and when the tide went out, mud flats were left. She toured Canada many times. She was a hit with her poetry on stage in London. She moved to Vancouver in 1909. Her ashes are buried at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park.

=== from the EDITOR'S DESK ===

+ Pleased to learn of two more Diamond Jubilee medal recipients, Mayor Mike Smith (who himself presented to two at a ccl mtg), and David Jones. Congratulations!

+ GROSVENOR / 1300blk Marine Dr

- Good points made re Grosv/1300; going back to the drawing board. Looking forward to Version 2.0 (see Mar 4 mtg notes).

- Taken aback that Cclr Panz re sale referred to the block being sold b/c of all the good things from selling 320 Taylor Way -- did no one (Ccl or staff) remember it was leased? (quite apart from a referendum on it)

- Mystery: Grosv agreed to lower the eight-storey bldg 30ft (from 108ft) and proposed two seven-storey bldgs.

- CLARIFICATION: fifth elevation means the top of a building (four sides and a top, I guess). Was confusing but Bob Sokol made a reference to it as jargon and it later became clear (it's explained in the transcript).

+ Nbrhd Character and Housing coming to Mar 18 ccl mtg.

+ So much kerfuffle re the new pope I jocularly remarked that I'd wait for pink smoke and then found out some had produced pink smoke there in Rome making a point about women in the church.

Now (this WVM is so late; was to come out Mar 10) we know the new pope is Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina (Italian parents who immigrated to Argentina). Am sure there'll be lots in the media.

+ March 14 was Pi Day

+ March 15 -- the Ides of March

+ Very proud of Ryan Wang of WV, and at five years old is off to NY -- Carnegie Hall -- as a pianist. His mother said he sang before he spoke, and he's been playing the piano for (only!) a year and a half. CBC had a clip of him at the piano. Impressive.

+ HM Queen has given not just a ground-breaking speech for Commonwealth Day Mar 11 (equality; see ROYALWATCH below) but also a msg to Chris Hadfield, our astronaut, who has just become Commander of the Int'l Space Station.

=== WVPD === BLOCKWATCH

~~~ IDENTITY THEFT

Throughout March West Vancouver Police are hosting information sessions to connect our community to knowledge and skills to help prevent Identity Theft and other Fraud related offences.

From Youth to our Elders, all mbrs of the cmnty can take steps to protect themselves. Presentations are scheduled at all WV public and private secondary schools, as well as information sessions throughout the municipality as follows;

West Vancouver Recreation Centre, 2121 Marine Dr., Thursday, March 7th, -- 9am “ noon

Gleneagles Recreation Ctr, Wednesday, March 13th, “ 9 - 11:30am

Park Royal North Mall, Friday, March 15th, -- 11:30am “ 2:30pm

WV Library, Wednesday, March 20th, “ noon “ 3pm

Park Royal South, Friday, March 22nd, -- 11:30am “ 2:30pm

WV Seniors' Ctr, Thursday, March 28th, -- 11am “ 1pm

Squamish Nation Elders' Centre, Wednesday March 27th, -- 11:30am -1:30pm

The CSU will also be sending information to WV residents about the Identity Theft initiative through by means of a Block Watch release to residents enrolled in West Van™s Block Watch program. If you require further information on Identity Theft, please contact Cpl. Johal from the Community Services Unit at 925 7315.

~~~ TURNING LEFT?

West Vancouver PD (@WestVanPolice) tweeted at 7:37 AM on Thu, Mar 14, 2013:Don't learn the hard way about New Marine Dr 4 - 6pm Left Turn prohibited signs in Ambleside. Wed Aft 1 officer 25 min 8 drivers ticketed (https://twitter.com/WestVanPolice/status/312210764599533568)

~~~ COMMUNICATE!

To All West Vancouver Community Members,

Effective communication with the community we serve is an ongoing priority for West Vancouver Police.

As newly appointed Communications Officer for WVPD, I want to ensure all members of the community are aware of the options available for both direct and online contact with our department.

Our ˜First in Canada™ ePolicing program is into its fifth year of delivering direct email alerts regarding crime trends and prevention information to subscribers of our Business Watch and Block Watch programs. ePolicing requires only a quick visit to our website www.wvpd.ca to self subscribe.

On our website you can also find Interactive Crime Mapping and regularly updated CompStat reports on recent offences. Keeping up with offence patterns in your area can help you assess and update your own security plan.

WV Police are working to develop a stronger presence on social media. Follow us on Twitter @WestVanPolice for quick updates on developing situations involving police, information about services available from WV Police, Crime Prevention information, and more. We will keep you updated as our communications program develops. We welcome your input.

Please note our social media, website, and email communications should not be used to report crime or to request emergency assistance. Always call 911 for emergencies. Call 925 7300 to request non-emergency assistance of West Vancouver Police.

Cst. Jeff Palmer #197, West Vancouver Police, Communications Officer

604 925 7429 (O) 604 785 3494 (C) jeffpalmer@wvpd.ca www.wvpd.ca On Twitter @WestVanPolice

=== UPDATES & INFO ===

+ So much info! Newsletters:

For events out west, see The Westerner for WRA and HBay: http://www.chrisadshead.com and the Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs104/1103305118124/archive/1112587253889.html .

There are oodles of tempting events at the Srs' Ctr -- from movies, to trips, to games, etc. See

http://westvancouver.ca/uploadedFiles/Recreation/Facilities/Seniors_Activity_Centre/March%202013%20Seniors%20Scene.pdf

For recreation in WV, see the Spring/Summer Leisure Guide:

http://www.westvancouver.ca/leisureguide/2013/Spring.Summer/index.html

The WV Historical Society's newsletter, Memories, is out (March) but not on website yet [ www.wvhs.ca ]

WV Streamkeepers' workplan for 2013: http://www.westvancouverstreamkeepers.ca/dox/Work%20Plan%202013.pdf

+ ART IN THE HALL

March 6 “ May 10 ~~ Paintings by Riitta Peirone

An associate member of the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists and a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Riitta has shown in a number of galleries in and around Vancouver.

Riitta™s work in pastels, acrylics, watercolours, and oils reflect the natural surroundings of her home near the Capilano River, as well as her interest in portraits and figurative work.

The exhibition is located on the main floor and foyer of the Municipal Hall.

+ WVSPCA -- Donor of the month: Anchors Inn

At Anchors Inn Waterfront Cabins in Ucluelet, they welcome you and your beloved pets too!

Rather than charge a nightly fee for pets, they request a $20 per pet donation, which goes to their local SPCA.

Marilyn and Lance of Anchors Inn have been donating the proceeds of their 'dog fee' since 2003 to the BC SPCA and we are so thankful for their long-standing support.

In celebration of their generosity, we encourage our shelters to name homeless animals œBrogan�, in honour of their late beloved dog.

+ HOUSING/DENSITY

o Kerrisdale preservationists lament a tide of bulldozers

KERRY GOLD -- Special to The Globe and Mail -- Last updated Friday, Mar. 08 2013, 3:42 PM EST

There is a quiet war being waged against Vancouver™s fine old houses, which are coming down at such an alarming rate that Kerrisdale looks like it™s under siege.

On a recent rainy day, award-winning novelist and short-story writer Caroline Adderson, who lives in an Arts and Crafts house with her family, took me on a walking tour of Kerrisdale.......

Rest: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/real-estate/kerrisdale-preservationists-lament-a-tide-of-bulldozers/article9509106/

o Selling high density in West Van

HADANI DITMARS -- Special to The Globe and Mail Last updated Monday, Mar. 04 2013, 1:07 PM EST

Where will all the aging boomers go when their large footprint homes become too much to handle?

The traditional choices have been apartments or condos. But a new development in West Vancouver offers the best of both worlds......

Rest: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/real-estate/selling-high-density-in-west-van/article9259411/

+ Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Public Report

Summaries of the actions undertaken in 2012 and planned for 2013,...

The CARIP is a program that provides grants that help municipal governments recover the carbon tax. To be eligible for this grant, West Vancouver must report on the plan and progress toward meeting our climate action goals.....

....The public report links listed below are summaries of the actions undertaken by West Vancouver in 2011 and 2012 and planned for 2013, and is a requirement for the District to recoup $85,000 in carbon tax.

2012 Interim CARIP report  Report for the year ending 2011

o Construction commences on an innovative new playground at John Lawson Park Friday Mar 08

Construction on the highly anticipated John Lawson Park playground is scheduled to commence early April 2013 and is expected to be completed in August 2013. Its design concept will be unveiled at a ceremony for partners and media Tuesday, March 12, from 10 to 10:30am at John Lawson Park, foot of 17th Street, West Vancouver. Once construction begins, the park™s playground area will be closed to the public; the park™s picnic areas, green space, washrooms, beaches, and the pier are open for use.

œWe are extremely fortunate to receive financial support from our partners, the federal government and the community, making this leading-edge playground truly a community initiative,� says Mayor Michael Smith.œThese improvements to the John Lawson Park playground are going to add to the beauty and utility of this wonderful park,� said John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver “ Sunshine Coast “ Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of Minister Lynne Yelich, Minister for Western Economic Diversification. œIn addition to improving the quality and safety of this playground for our community™s children, this investment has also contributed to the creation of jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity, making it truly a win-win situation.� ... the rest: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=43930

o Ambleside Park Playground Renewal -- Thursday February 28

http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=43732

The first phase of playground renewal is now underway at Ambleside Park.  Completion planned for April 2013.

The new play equipment pieces will provide opportunities for children to engage with each other in imaginative ways and will be accessible to all. The full project is pictured here*.  Phase One, which is currently under construction, is the area shaded in yellow.

This play equipment upgrade is made possible with funding from the Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club.  The Club has generously committed to raising money for Ambleside Park Playground through various projects including Christmas tree sales and chip up.  In order to reach funding targets faster, other donations are gratefully accepted by the Lions Club for this project. The Lions club contact information can be found on their website**.

You can contact the Parks Dept at 925 7130 for more information about this project.

* http://www.westvancouver.ca/uploadedFiles/Projects_and_Initiatives/Parks_and_Environment/Ambleside%20Park%20Play%20area%20phasing%20.pdf

** http://tiddlycovelions.com

=== CALENDAR to March 22nd ===

All mtgs are at M Hall unless indicated otherwise. NOTE: shown are mtgs known at this date; often there are additions, changes, cancellations after WVM goes out. Check the DWV Calendar: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Calendar.aspx . Notices/mtgs/changes too

late/early for an issue are sent to subscribers. [See earlier mtgs etc in the Headsup notices above sent between issues of WVM.]

~~~ Details for Mon March 11:

~ 3pm ~ Finance mtg: Parks/Cmnty Services fees and charges

~ 4:30pm ~ Cmte/Whole: Transp Plan; Amb Activation

~ 7pm ~ sp Council Mtg: Amb Activation ~~~

== Tuesday March 12 ~ 7pm ~ Upper Lands WG (Cedar Rm, Cmnty Ctr)

== Wednesday March 13

~ 10am ~ Cmnty Engagement Cmte in Mayor's ofc

~ 10am ~ Invasive Plants Working Group

~ 7pm ~ LPPS's Dr Keith Wade at CapU: The 6th Extinction: An ecologist and biogeographer talks about the

loss of biodiversity worldwide, why the global extinction event we may be witnessing is different from past events.

== Thursday March 14

~ 6:30pm ~ Irish Pub Night; Srs' Ctr with the Londoners singing Irish and Welsh songs; tix include a glass of beer

~ 7pm ~ Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr Adv Cmte at GCC

== Saturday March 16

OLD GROWTH CONSERVANCY SNOWSHOE HIKE

Join us on Saturday, March 16th for our second snowshoe trip this year into apex of the Old Growth Conservancy. We will be looking at the spectacular old growth redcedar stands in the northwest corner of the Conservancy where most cedar are over 600 years old. During the hike you will be able to get a feeling of the grandeur of these stands and the part they play in our understanding of these ancient forests.

Plan to meet at 10am at Hi-View Lookout (second switchback on the Cypress Bowl Road) to carpool up to Cypress Mountain works yard for the start at 10:30am. Snow tires are required on the Cypress Bowl Road.

Hikes are usually around three hours, so bring a lunch and beverage. Wear water-resistant outerwear over warm, layered winter clothes, and sturdy water-resistant boots. Snowshoes have been needed on most of these trips, though not all. Hiking or ski poles are advised.

Pls email ogcs.wv@gmail.com so we can notify you about last-minute weather reports or trip cancellation due to weather.

== Sunday March 17 -- Happy St. Patrick™s Day!

St. Patrick™s Day is not only celebrated by the Irish, but by people in countries all around the world, and Vancouver is no exception. There are lots of events happening in Vancouver this year. So, put on something green, kiss the blarney stone, search for a four-leaf clover, try to catch a leprechaun, and may the luck of the Irish be with you on this very popular holiday. And make sure you stop by The Village Taphouse this Sunday for their beer specials and green beer!

== Tuesday March 19 ~ 5 - 10pm ~ Norouz (Iranian New Year) in Ambleside Park

== Wednesday March 20

~ 5pm ~ Board of Variance

~ 7pm ~ Library Bd (at Library)

~ 7:30pm ~ Burrard Inlet Estuary Restoration Program “ Mackay Creek & Lynn Creek estuaries (DNV Ccl Chamber)

NSh Streamkeepers presents a talk by Ken Ashley and his students from the BCIT Ecological Restoration Program

Join North Shore Streamkeepers to hear about proposed restoration plans developed in the BCIT Ecological Restoration Program. Program Director Ken Ashley will describe the program and fourth year students will present proposals for Mackay Creek and Lynn Creek. Estuaries provide vital habitat for many species, particularly for young salmon leaving their streams and entering the ocean. Much of the estuarine habitat in the harbour has been lost through port devt. The students™ term projects are real life examples of developing restoration plans for degraded estuary habitat around Burrard Inlet. [The usual agenda for North Shore Streamkeepers meeting will follow, from 8:30 to 9:30.]

== Tuesday to Thursday -- March 19 - 21 -- Norouz “ Iranian New Year 

March 21 not only marks the first day of spring, but it is also marked in the calendars of all Iranians as Norouz (or Iranian New Year). In celebration of Norouz, Iranians all over the world set up the table of Haft-Seen to welcome the arrival of the new year with their family and friends. The table of Haft-Seen (or seven ˜S™s) contains different objects, from a dish of homemade sweets to painted eggs and flowers. Each of these objects symbolizes a certain good trait related to new and fresh beginnings. Maryam Farokhy, the founder of Purple Lotus Event Planning, is preparing a beautiful Haft-Seen in Park Royal North™s centre court from March 19 to 21. All day (during regular shopping hours)

Come check it out! 

== Thursday March 21

~ 6pm ~ NSh Family Court and Youth Justice Cmte in Cedar Rm (Cmnty Ctr)

~ 7:45pm ~ WV Historical Society mtg at the Srs' Ctr [for details: http://www.wvhs.ca/upcoming-events/ ]

Bill Millerd, Artistic Managing Director of the Arts Club Theatre, on WV Canneries and Vancouver Theatre

+++ WV MEMORIAL LIBRARY +++ http://www.westvanlibrary.ca

In the Gallery - The Colours of Spring

A Persian group show in celebration of Norooz (Iranian New Year) opens Feb 28.

Opening Reception: Friday March 1 from 7 - 9 pm. Everyone is welcome!

Room 14, our new space for teens, opens March 7.

West Van youth guided the vision and led the way in the planning for their 21st Century Library.

For a profile of the Library's forward-thinking services to youth, view this video* of UBC iSchool's interview with Director Jenny Benedict and Youth Services Head Shannon Ozirny.

For more info: http://www.westvanlibrary.ca/ (homepage blurb)

http://youthmanual.blogspot.ca/2013/03/west-vancouver-memorial-library-co.html (co-design process)

http://www.northshoreoutlook.com/news/196501171.html

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEwI-IzLWy8

= ENGLISH CORNER

If you wd like to practise English conversation -- develop skills, learn vocabulary, participate in interesting discussions, and make new friends, come on Fridays starting January 11 from 10 - 11:30am. For more info pls call Nadia Vargha Majzub at 922 5152. Facilitated by the Bahai Cmnty of WV in partnership with the Library.

= PHILOSOPHERS' CAFE

Join Moderator Randall MacKinnon on the third Friday of each month, from Sept through June for a discussion at a Philosophers' Cafe, part of SFU's Continuing Studies. Admission is free, no registration is required.

Computers and Politics ~ 10:30am - noon ~ Friday March 15 ~

With growing, escalating digital technology, how do communications technologies facilitate or thwart political processes?

+++ WV MUSEUM +++ 925 729 http://westvancouvermuseum.ca/exhibitions/current_exhibition

March 6 - April 27 ~~ Pierre Coupey: Cutting out the Tongue “ Selected Work 1976-2012

Opening Reception on 7pm Tuesday March 5

Artist Talk at the Museum 2 - 3pm on Saturday March 23

Pierre Coupey, founding editor of The Capilano Review and co-founder of The Georgia Straight has been a practising writer, printmaker, and painter since the early 1960s. In the mid-1970s he made the pivotal decision to focus his energies primarily on visual art, that is, the œwordless� activity of painting.  Although the influence and importance of literature in Coupey™s life and work cannot be denied, this exhibition will look at Coupey™s trajectory as a painter over the last four decades, and on the contradictions and tensions deeply embedded in his abstract canvases and his decision to metaphorically obey Matisse™s impossible admonition to œcut out the tongue� and paint.    

The two exhibitions run concurrently at the WV Museum and the Art Gallery at Evergreen in Coquitlam.

Pierre Coupey: Cutting out the Tongue “ Selected Work 1976-2012

Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Evergreen: March 16 - April 27

Artist Talk: Saturday March 17 from 3 to 4pm; Opening Reception 4 - 6pm

Group Poetry Reading: Friends of Pierre™s: Friday March 22 from 7 to 9pm

+++ FERRY BUILDING GALLERY +++ http://ferrybuildinggallery.com ~ 925 7290

> March 5 - 24 -- A Visual Language

Jin Hong: Linen and silk; Eric Goldstein: Coloured threads, acrylic paint, and plaster on canvas

Opening Reception: Tuesday March 5 from 6 “ 8pm; Meet the Artists: Saturday March 9 from 2 - 3pm

+++ SILK PURSE +++  http://silkpurse.ca/exhibitions/  925 7292

> February 19 - March 10 -- Looking from the Outside

Painter/printmaker Greg Allen muses on his inspiration and body of work: œThe Pacific west coast is an extremely vibrant and exciting environment. To some, it may appear grey and dull, but as an artist, I see it differently. When I look at the coastline, I feel an unsettling energy that permeates every piece of driftwood, jagged rock, or gnarled tree. It is this energy that I try to represent through my work.�

Opening reception Tuesday February 19th from 6 - 8pm

> March 12 - 31 -- Imagery in Colour and Ceramic

Two very talented artists explore representational and symbolic imagery in two very different disciplines. Roohy Marandi creates elegant ceramic sculptures & pottery employing emotive imagery & unexpected finishes. Nazanin Sadeghi™s beautifully detailed  watercolour paintings use the imagery of love-blind birds courting potential mates which are in reality only sculptures or reflections, to explore human relationships.

Opening reception on Tuesday March 12th from 6”8pm

+++ KAY MEEK CENTRE +++ http://www.kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/events_calendar

Simplest way to get on email list, call 913 3634 (also for tix) or email tickets@kaymeekcentre.com

ANNUAL DONOR CAMPAIGN

Kay Meek Centre is the cultural jewel of West Vancouver, with music, film, dance, and theatre touching more than 55,000 neighbours each year. We work hard to ensure the program appeals to a broad cross section of the community, and tickets are kept affordable making the performing arts accessible to all.

Donating is easy - you can do it online using your credit card, or by calling 604-981-6335 (MEEK)

+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, West Vancouver +++ http://www.westvan60.com/

Office: 922 3587 Lounge: 922 1920 Fax: 922 2659

Great brand new website!

For the March Calendar: http://westvan60.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/march-calendar-large.png

Of course there's a St Paddy's party on March 16 starting at 3pm with dancers!
cc

+++ WV CHAMBER of COMMERCE + 926 6614 +

getting ready for the President's Dinner and Excellence Awards April 18!

The WV Chamber is Moving!

We are moving! Yes, the Chamber is moving again...to 2466 Marine Drive in Dundarave. (The former Dundarave Stationery store.) We will be moving March 15. Phone/Fax numbers remain the same. Please visit us at our new address.

=== CULTUREWATCH ===

* THEATRE

+ ARTS CLUB -- 687 1644  http://www.artsclub.com

~ Granville Island Revue Stage: How has my love affected you? by Marcus Youssef, Feb 28 - Mar 23

~ Stanley Industrial: Two Pianos Four Hands Mar 14 - Apr 14

(hilarious; we saw when first out and G laughed so hard cdn't get up at intermission)

+ PACIFIC THEATRE -- Mother Theresa is Dead pacifictheatre.org 731 5518 Mar 1 - 23

+ METRO THEATRE 266 7191 metrotheatre.com

Murder on the Nile by Agatha Christie; Feb 15 - Mar 16

+ STUDIO 58 -- Balm in Gilead (directed by Bob Frazer) 8pm (plus 3pm matinees) Mar 21 - Apr 7

+ JERICHO ARTS CTR

The Rimers of Eldritch by Lanford Wilson; jerichoartscentre.com 224 8007; 8pm Mar 5 - 16

+ FREDDY WOOD THEATRE

Blood Relations, by Sharon Pollock, a psychological thriller about Lizzie Borden, winner of the GG award for drama. theatre.ubc.ca 822 2678 Mar 21 - Apr 6

+ FIREHALL ARTS CENTRE    firehallartscentre.ca

theatreforliving (formerly Headlines Theatre) presents maladjusted ~~~

the mental health system. the people. the play.

Theatre for Living, the company that brought you after homelessness... (2009) and Us and Them (2011,) is proud to present their new Forum Theatre play, maladjusted, created and performed by mental health patients and caregivers. This innovative theatre project and two-­�day maladjusted dialogue series will confront the barriers to patient centered care within our mechanizing mental health care system.

Close Encounters With Addiction March 8-24, 2013 8pm Tues-Sun

2x1 matinees March 13 & 17 2pm Interactive, global webcast March 24 8pm

Free maladjusted dialogue series March 18th 1:30 and 7pm & March 19th 7pm.

Firehall Arts Centre Box Office: 689-0926 Tickets online: www.firehallartscentre.ca Tickets $12 + service charges

More info: Theatre for Living | www.theatreforliving.com | @headlinestheatr | facebook.com/HeadlinesTheatre

+ PRESENTATION HOUSE 990 3474 phtheatre.org

William Shakespeare's ImproMusical; each show is a wholly original and completely improvised theatrical musical based on the plots and the language of the Bard; various times; Mar 14 - 17

+ DEEP COVE SHAW THEATRE

Holmes and Watson Save the Empire; Canadian premiere, a hilarious musical mystery {silliness alert}

{sold out Sat 9th; we thought it fun and silly but a Doyle fan wasn't so captivated}

929 9456 firstimpressions.com 8pm Feb 27 - Mar 16

+ BERNIE LEGGE THEATRE

Fawlty Towers; Vagabond Players (New Westminster) vagabondplayers.ca 521 0412

(some performances already sold out!) 8pm with 2pm matinees Feb 28 - Mar 23

* ART

+ VANCOUVER ART GALLERY  http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/calendar_of_events.html

Coming Exhibitions: for details: http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/upcoming_exhibitions.html ]

~ NB: VAG Mbrs receive 20% off admission to the Royal BC Museum in Victoria when you show your Gallery Mbrshp card.

For more info contact Member Services at membership@vanartgallery.bc.ca or 604 662 4711.

Current Exhibitions

Art Spiegelman -- Co-Mix: A Retrospective of Comics, Graphics, and Scraps -- Opening February 16

The first retrospective exhibition of the acclaimed American artist presents works ranging from Art Spiegelman's early underground comics, to his best-known and genre-defining work, Maus, as well as recent illustrations and comic art. Co-produced by VAG, the Museum Ludwig, Köln, and the Jewish Museum, NY. Curated by Rina Zavagli-Mattotti.

Read more » http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/exhibit_co-mix.html

EXHIBITION James Hart: The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) -- November 2012 to January 2014

In late 2009, artist James Hart began designing this large-scale sculpture and began carving the work in 2010. This ambitious project brings together many of the principal animal figures from traditional Haida stories, especially creatures that depend on salmon for their survival. Read more: http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/exhibit_hart.html

* SCULPTURE

+ Tattoos and Scrimshaw, the Art of the Sailor

Vancouver Maritime Museum 257 8300 vanmaritime.com Mar 14 - Oct 18

+ Celebration of Nature “ Flora and Fauna, a group exhibition by the Sculptors™ Society of British Columbia (SSBC) featuring more than 45 individual works, will run from February 9 through March 17 under the dome at the Bloedel Conservatory. œPrentice Bloedel™s original gift to the city was not only the Conservatory, but also Vancouver™s most famous and valuable sculpture, Knife Edge “ Two Piece by Henry Moore, located beside the iconic dome. Art and nature have gone hand-in-hand from the beginnings of the Conservatory� says Garden Director, Harry Jongerden.

SSBC member Jean-Guy Dallaire will be on hand Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4pm to give live demonstrations and to discuss the methodology in creating sculptural works of art. Pieces are for sale with partial proceeds going to benefit The Bloedel Conservatory.

The Bloedel Conservatory is open daily from 10am to 4pm during Feb and Mar.

http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/BloedelCons.html AND on the Sculptors™ Society of BC: www.ssbc.ca

* MUSIC

+ Out to Lunch: Mar 22 -- VAG 12:10pm -- Arioso Quintet plays Mozart and Mendelssohn

+ OPERA PRO CANTANTI -- procantanti.com at Cambrian Hall at 7pm -- Verdi's Rigoletto, Mar 17

+ MICROCOSMOS

We continue our adventure with new repertoire:  Béla Bartok's Fourth Quartet, paired with the first of Benjamin Britten's three beautiful string quartets.  We will program all three Britten quartets this year, in honour of his 100th birthday. We hope you will join us!  Both concerts are open to the public.

Friday, March 15   8 pm  -- a residence in Ambleside

Monday, March 18   8 pm   -- in Vancouver, access from SW Marine Drive)

If you wd like to attend, pls send us an e-mail with your name, wch day you wish to attend and number of seats. We will confirm by return e-mail; $30 cash or cheque at the door. (Students, etc. $20) microcosmosquartet@gmail.com

+ musica intima; 20th anniversary concert: Norman Rothstein Theatre (731 6618) March 16

+ VANCOUVER OPERA

Mozart's The Magic Flute ~ March 9 - 17 QET vancouveropera.ca 683 0222

{Saw original; a few changes, wonderful sets. Act 2's opening scene beautiful then first four notes sounded like "O Canada"!}

+ VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA -- Info on the season: http://www.vancouversymphony.ca

o A Celtic Celebration, with Leahy and the VSO!

~ 8pm at the Orpheum: Friday Mar 15, Saturday Mar 16

Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with Leahy, Canada's first family of Celtic and Cape Breton style music. Leahy's thrilling and emotional reels and jigs will take your breath away, and tug on your heartstrings, too. From Danny Boy to Far and Away, from a medley of U2 songs to Simple Gifts, Steven Reineke's arrangements, and Leahy's pure, joyous music straight from the heart will captivate you.

+ 200th Birthday Party for Verdi & Wagner; Vancouver Bach Choir & UBC Opera Ensemble perform

selections from their Bicentennial concert; free VPL 7pm Mar 18; Tom Lee Music noon Mar 20

o Verdi/Wagner Bicentennial Concert; vancouverbachchoir.com 8pm March 23

+ EARLY MUSIC VANCOUVER 732 1610 http://www.earlymusic.bc.ca/CA-CalendarOfEvents.html

o Schumann's Liederkreis; Romantic German Art Song

8pm Mar 22 at Christ Church Cathedral; pre-concert discussion at 7:15

3pm Mar 24 at Kay Meek Ctr; pre-concert discussion at 2:15

~ 7:30pm ~ Mon Mar 25 ~ A conversation - Measuring the Best? A conversation about merit and the university.

All events are free, open to the public, and take place in the Fairmont Social Lounge at St. John™s College UBC, 2111 Lower Mall. To register for these events: http://stjohns.ubc.ca/2013/01/disability-and-the- arts/.

Beyond the Screen: Disability and the Arts Series:

Dr. Christopher Lee, Associate Principal, St. John™s College Assistant Professor, English, 822 2943 chris.lee@ubc.ca

+ CHOR LEONI & FRIENDS 822-9197

Favourites from the past and new works 7:30pm Mar 23 at the Chan Ctr -- chancentre.com

+ WEST COAST SYMPHONY

Elgar and Mendelssohn, WV United Church (by donation) 2pm Sunday Mar 17

Listen to the North Shore's own Nanci Di Novo perform the Elgar violin concerto with the West Coast Symphony. Mendelssohn's Scottish symphony is also on the program. Guest conductor Yariv Aloni.

+ VANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIR 738 7832

A Cappella Panorama, Ryerson United Church vancouverchamberchoir.com 8pm March 15

+ ROBERT SILVERMAN, pianist musiconmain.ca 879 9888

The Brahms Project at Cory Weeds's Cellar Jazz Club, 8pm March 12

+ RUSH>HOUR: MUSIC FROM BANFF 873 4612 musicinthemorning.org

BC-born violin prodigy Timothy Chooi joins Banff Ctr Faculty CBC Studio One 5:45pm Mar 14

* 10th Annual Int'l Film Festival4Peace; filmfest4peace.org Britannia Cmnty Ctr Mar 16, 17

* TEDx Stanley Park; UBC Robson Square; tedxstanleypark.com Mar 16

* CELTIC FESTIVAL -- March 9 - 17 celticfestvancouver.com with St Patrick's Parade on Mar 17th

* MYTHBUSTERS -- 866 977 2372 abbotsfordctr.ca 8pm Mar 17

=== NATURE === David Cook 924 0147

Thursday March 21st

A free public lecture presented by the Botany Section of Nature Vancouver. 

~ 7:30pm ~ Title of talk: The changing ecology of Southeast Asian rainforests Speaker: Jedediah Brodie

Meeting location: Unity Church, 5840 Oak St, Vancouver.

Talk description: Trees and animals in tropical forests depend on each other for seed dispersal and food, and these "mutualistic" interactions help support the astounding biodiversity of rainforest ecosystems. The speaker will explore the ecology and evolution of plant-animal interactions in tropical Asia, and look at how they are affected by human disturbances such as hunting, logging, and climate change.

The Speaker: Jedediah is originally from California, and has done ecological field work in ecosystems ranging from the deserts of southern Africa to the rainforests of Borneo and the Alaskan tundra. He is currently an assistant professor of Conservation Ecology at UBC, and serves on the board of directors for the Society for Conservation Biology Asia Section.

=== HEADSUP -- BREAKING NEWS ===

+ Breaking News -- 5 March, 2013 2:36:19 AM PST

Back from the Mar ccl mtg wch ended after 11pm; highlights below + "fifth (rooftop) elevation" does NOT mean five floors!!!  {of course QTP at end}

1

Reconvened West Van Florist PH closed at 7:53pm; will come back March 18 for Ccl's decision.   Much discussion about the difference between C2 and AC2, increase and decrease. {Pls note, during a PH and after closed no one is allowed to speak to a mbr of Ccl about the issue.)

2

Many changes to the agenda;  no reports from mbr of Ccl; Ch of Commerce presentation (with slides) ended 8:08.  Two recommendations from Cmte of the Whole (sound barrier at Gleneagles and cell towers) were defeated.  [8:14]

3

Teen Space at Library Presentation v interesting (largely teen driven so flexible) and all invited to visit .

4

Note changed times/etc for COUNCIL MTGS

=  special Ccl Mtg  Wed March 6 at 5pm

= Monday Mar 11  - sp Ccl Mtg at 7pm

- rescheduling the Ccl Mtg re Financial Matters to 3pm

-  rescheduling the  Cmte/Whole mtg to 4:30pm

5

All other agenda items (still on the agenda) were passed within minutes then from 8:35 to 11:05pm it was input and ccl debate on:

6 1300blk / GROSVENOR

All ten recommendations in the motion passed though Sop, Cameron, and Gambioli proposed amendments (wch failed): lowering not just 30ft but 40 to 45ft; reducing the size of the units and having a signif number more.  Gambioli said {that for her} the PSB funding was not tied to this sale.  In answer to a question, the Mayor said the prop was sold but if Grosv didn't like the building allowed they cd not go through with it, and same for DWV. 

HEIGHT vs STOREYS

Motion: "b) Further design devt to create an attractive fifth (rooftop) elevation using a combination of measures such as minimizing rooftop equipment, using elevators with small overruns, and concealing the equipment within the uppermost storey;"

Many assumed lowering 30ft and then referring to 'fifth/rooftop' meant five storeys (10ft a storey) so it was puzzling to hear Grosv's James Patillo, when asked by CC, said seven and seven (some of these numbers/calculations don't make sense), from the originally proposed eight and seven. 

Some questions about who's paying for CACs/public art and when CACs shd be considered.

One problem is that a floor/storey can be anything from 8ft to 12ft (or even more).  Talking about height we must refer to the measurement b/c a lot of variation wrt a storey/floor.

Some came up to me during the short break and asked how many storeys b/c of the reference to fifth and rooftop.  The problem is that there's no definition in height for a storey.  Sokol apologized for using architecture "jargon" explaining that "fifth (rooftop) elevation" does not refer to the top floor as being the fifth storey, it just means the top.

Well, since there's a public procedure planned, we shd be able to ask more questions and make more suggestions.

Some mbrs of Ccl want some alternates, not just this one building design {or one other}.

Sokol said Ccl cd give Planning other suggestions/direction and they'd be welcome from the public as well.

The good news.

The ziggurat (my term for the cruise ship) is dead, and it is hoped there'll be more input and improvements for version 2.0. And, we'll get to comment on that one.

Of course you'll get the debate when WVM6 comes out.

+ HEADSUP 5A -- 8 March 2013 4:03:34 AM PST

Trying to keep you informed, and warn you what's coming.

First, correction to some dates left in WVM5; Second, events including Int'l Women's Day, and Mayor at PkR; Third, the marathon Monday Mar 11 agendas (four); a Cartoon and then Q/Th/P of course at the end.

1 == WVM5

The Table of Contents shd include a section titled February 25 Notes (they are there, just not in the TofC) and the Agendas for March 4th.

Since it went out have found out that the Upper Lands WG mtg Tu Mar 12 is at 7pm (Cedar Rm, Cmnty Ctr).

2 == Events

~ MARCH 8 ~ INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Three Green Leaders Prioritize Women™s Equity and Leadership Issues

Elizabeth May, Jane Sterk, and Adriane Carr are meeting on International Women™s Day in a women-owned social enterprise café in Vancouver™s Chinatown to outline their current priorities to support women™s equity and leadership. They will be joined by Carrie Serwetnyk, the first woman inductee into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame and founder of Why the Women™s World Cup Matters.

Who:    Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada;  Jane Sterk, Leader of the Green Party of BC;

Adriane Carr, Vancouver™s first Green Party City Cclr;  Carrie Serwetnyk, Founder of Why the Women™s World Cup Matters

When:  11 am Friday, March 8, 2013

Where: East of Main Café, 223 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

Contact Info:  Adriane Carr cell: 778 886 4560; Carrie Serwetnyk cell: 551 7006;  

For Elizabeth May contact: Debra Eindiguer 613 240 8921 cell; For Jane Sterk contact: Craig Spence 250 208 3825

~ MARCH 9 ~ PARMAGEDDON (PkR S) ~ noon to 1pm

Parmageddon at Whole Foods Market

Make sure you visit Whole Foods Market on Saturday, March 9 to be part of the great Parmigiano Reggiano event. Witness a Guinness World Record as Whole Foods Market stores around the globe unite to crack more than 500 Parmigiano Reggiano wheels at the same time. The special guest Parmigiano cracker for this event will be the Mayor of West Vancouver {noon to 1pm}. You don™t want to miss out!

3 == MONDAY MARCH 11 AGENDAS {moved to this newsletter's section}

+ MORE BREAKING NEWS (13 March, 2013 2:46:05 AM)

and updates

some new, just found about, and in case WVM6 is delayed even more have included some from the draft in the Calendar:

Strange not mentioned at yesterday's ccl mtgs that:

o Construction commences on an innovative new playground at John Lawson Park Friday March 08

Construction on the highly anticipated John Lawson Park playground is scheduled to commence early April 2013 and is expected to be completed in August 2013. Its design concept will be unveiled at a ceremony for partners and media Tuesday, March 12, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at John Lawson Park, foot of 17th Street, West Vancouver. Once construction begins, the park™s playground area will be closed to the public; the park™s picnic areas, green space, washrooms, beaches, and the pier are open for use. {rest of the info in WVM6)

> from the Calendar and WVM6:

== Tuesday March 12 ~ 7pm ~ Upper Lands WG (Cedar Rm, Cmnty Ctr)

== Wednesday March 13

~ 10am ~ Cmnty Engagement Cmte in Mayor's ofc

~ 10am ~ Invasive Plants Working Group

== Thursday March 14

~ 6:30pm ~ Irish Pub Night; Srs' Ctr with the Londoners singing Irish and Welsh songs; tix include a glass of beer

~ 7pm ~ Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr Adv Cmte at GCC

> from CULTUREWATCH  

+ ROBERT SILVERMAN, pianist musiconmain.ca       879 9888

The Brahms Project at Cory Weeds's Cellar Jazz Club, 8pm March 12

+ MICROCOSMOS

Dear friends of Microcosmos,

We continue our adventure with new repertoire:  Béla Bartok's Fourth Quartet, paired with the first of Benjamin Britten's three beautiful string quartets.  We will program all three Britten quartets this year, in honour of his 100th birthday. We hope you will join us!  Both concerts are open to the public.

Friday, March 15   8 pm  -- a residence in Ambleside

Monday, March 18   8 pm   -- in Vancouver, access from SW Marine Drive)

If you would like to attend, please send us an e-mail with your name, which day you wish to attend and number of seats. We will confirm by return e-mail. $30 cash or cheque at the door. (Students, etc. $20)      microcosmosquartet@gmail.com

+ COUNCIL NOTES  MONDAY MARCH 4

*NB: typed while ppl speak; gaps; some timestamps in case you want to listen to on the videotape* E&OE

= 7pm RECONVENED PUBLIC HEARING 

At 7pm the Reconvened PH will commence in the Ccl Chamber. The reg Ccl mtg will commence in the Chamber immediately following.

1. CALL TO ORDER

[Mayor thanked ev for coming]

2. RECONVENVED PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 4736, 2012 (File:  1610-20-4736)

The Public Hearing opened on January 21, 2013 and was adjourned to March 4, 2013.

The Director of Planning, Land Development and Permits will describe the subject application.

Applicant: Karl Gustavson, Architect, for the owners.

Subject Land: The proposed bylaw amendment applies to 1821 Marine Drive.

Purpose: In 2008, the site was rezoned from C2 (Commercial 2) to AC2 (Ambleside Centre Zone 2) as part of the District™s implementation of the Ambleside Village Strategy. The applicant has demonstrated that a building at 2.0 FAR could have been constructed on the property under the previous C2 zone. The intent is to re-establish this previously permitted density of 2.0 FAR for this property.

Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment: the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment would increase the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for the property at 1821 Marine Drive from 1.75 to 2.0. There is no building proposed at this time; the rezoning deals solely with the proposed increase in FAR. Prior to redevelopment occurring on the site, a development permit would be necessary.

3. RECONVENED PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE  [described]

4. REPORTS/WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS

1) Reports received up to and including February 27, 2013:

Rezoning Applicn No. 12-050 for 1821 Marine Dr (West Van Florist)  Nov 29; Date for Consideration Dec 10, Jan 21, Mar 4 // R-1

Rezoning Applicn ... (WVF), Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 4736, 2012 Jan 9; Date Jan 21, Mar 4 // R-2

2) Written submissions received up to and including February 27, 2013:

To view all written submissions click here.

AUTHOR DATE DATE FOR CONSIDERATION NO.

B. and R. Blamey January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-1

A. and N. P. Morley January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-2

B. Henry January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-3

J. Hann January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-4

J. Jansen and D. Dunbar January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-5

J. E. and J. MacCallum January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-6

A. M. Tait January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-7

E. Wootten January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-8

P. Budra January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-9

C. Young January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-10

S. McKee January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-11

B. F. Phillips January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-12

C. and M. Hunter January 14, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-13

C. and M. Hunter January 15, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-14

ADRA January 15, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-15

B. and R. Blamey January 20, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-16

M. Slater January 20, 2013 January 21, 2013 / March 4, 2013 C-17

A. and P. Morley February 13, 2013 March 4, 2013 C-18

B. Hann February 26, 2013 March 4, 2013 C-19

On Dec 10, Ccl set the date for the PH. The statutory notice of PH was published in the NSN on Jan 13 and 16. The PH opened on Jan 21 and was adjourned to Mar 4. The statutory notice of Reconvened PH was published in the NSN on Feb 24 and 27. The MClk will note written submissions received for the Mar 4 Reconvened PH.

Sokol: to Geri Boyle

GB: see map

this deals with FAR, from 1.75 to 2.0 but no Devt Permit at this time

a DP wd be nec before any building and wd require a PH

the owner Tom Harrington and the architect Karl Gustavson will speak

Mayor: excuse me, Ms Boyle.  Cclr Sop has a question. 

Sop: how can Ccl determine the benefits of 2.0 when we have no idea what's going on the site?

{some clapping}

GB: not uncommon to look at the density and land use question, to treat it separately from form and character

permit, look at quality

Sop: only see benefit for the now owner

Mayor: a debate or a question?

Sop: what about others throughout the Amb area zoned at 1.75? come forth seeking zoning?

GB: this prop distinct from other props

info provided, it is possible to achieve 2.0; most other lots wd have difficulty achieving 1.75 without variances

sets this prop apart so wd not expect a flood of applicns

merit seeing some things happen

Sop: my last question, Mayor Smith, then I'll be quiet for a few minutes

Mayor: can I get that in writing?

{bit of laughter}

Sop: so it's anticipated if sites wide enough, enough depth, can come with applicn for increase from 1.75 if Planning Dept deemed it reasonable b/c seen as a precedent?

GB: based on our knowledge of size of props, not if they consolidate

don't anticipate these applicns coming in.

KG: some points raised at last PH

important to understand we're asking for re-establishment of the zoning and density we lost in 2008 when the zoning was changed from C2 to AC2

{well, not quite: they are asking for the density from C2 but to keep the 100% residential land use of the new AC2. C2 did not permit 100% residential. On the other hand, they agree to pay the CACs required with AC2 (considerable since $750K) that they would not have had to pay if they had redeveloped under C2.}

not asking for something new, something to be put back in place

19,593sf but was 20K ft (part of Funeral Home)

View corridors, 60%; not proposing a four-storey bldg

72 parking stalls assuming a mixed-use bldg

this analysis requested by Planning Dept based on C2 zoning

If built out AC2, proposed, 2.0, parking wd be 65 stalls

When AC2 came in, a change in parking required for ofc space above the first floor -- used to be 1 to 400[sf], now 1 to 600

that's why 72 stalls down to 65 stalls

now mixed use; if built out as all ofc permitted in this zone, similar to the Walker Bldg, the parking reqmt with 1.75 wd be 67 stalls

Again, a change from the 19 stalls on the site today, but any devt is going to require addl parking to what's there

SLIDE/OVERHEAD

important to realize, as Ms Boyle pointed out, just rezoning, not just -- it's a big thing

we're not doing a full Devt Permit; that's unusual, probably precedent-setting in this cmnty

trying to establish something lost

chose not with Planning not to go through full Devt Permit; felt we cd demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that C2 zoning had a reasonable amt of density that we wanted to compare with AC2

so we had to design a bldg, renderings -- see this one.  Did bldg to establish the setbacks to prove the density allowed under C2

ground floor commercial, second floor ofc, and third floor residential off Marine Dr

not asking for the building, not fully articulated, but bldg fully understood.

this can be built

comparison with bldg at 19th and MDr, wch I did; occupied in 2010

AC zoning {points to slide}

started in {2001, rezoned 2004}, zoned hi rise but owners cdn't get together, so nothing to do with AC2

that bldg three-storey and fourth storey off back so xxx

Asking for increase we cd have {gave all the numbers}

We're not asking for a change in setbacks or height or reqmts for views corridor; changing nothing else -- no impact to the nbrhd wrt bldg mass and form with the increase in density, so no change

that's my point; asking for your approval (for what we lost in 2004)

[7:15]  asking approval based on what we lost

MAB: why 1.5ft given to Funeral home?

Tom Harrington (owner): the Funeral Home was built 1937

they built 1.24ft onto my father's prop

no surveys, according to Chapman; they didn't do any surveying back in those days

when we built our new store in 1955, had survey, at that point, dad sold them the land; that's what affected the prop from allowing an immediate four-storey

5Ksf larger than reqmt -- needs an 8ft incline from front to back; this prop has 15ft so exceeds by almost double

you have to have 120ft of frontage and we have 118.74; has to be 14,400 we 19,593

exceed ht differential, sq ftg xxx

rectangle, one of the largest, mid-sized

Walker is only 600sf larger than this [WVF]

Shoppers smaller, gas stns smaller

larger H Y Louie, Village Square, and Amb Now, the identified sites

MAB: what was the FAR of 19th & Marine?

KG: 1.25 -- narrow

Haywood 1.97 diff parking config;based on how you can make the parking fit

Sop: resid zoning does not allow comm

AC2 does, so major value

Sokol: the former C2 did allow for residential

Sop did allow for resid?

Sokol: correct

{again, to clarify, not the whole story: C2 permitted residential ABOVE a commercial first floor (i.e. NOT 100% residential); AC2 permits 100% residential.

hm; shd check how Planning defines it.  Canada, as you know, is a mix of British and American.  In the UK there's the ground floor and the floor above is the first floor; in the US, that ground floor is the first floor.  Throughout Vancouver and I think in WV as well, you'll see both ways of numbering floors.}

CC: lost xxx; wd the applicant wish to restore C2 zoning?

KG: don't see why wdn't work; was xxx

it wd work but impact 

TH: on ... Amb WG ... gave recomm

a base of 1.   xxx; density wasn't followed; and that's what's stagnating Amb

30 sigs biz need and want it

Sokol: C2 to AC2 has CAC, if approved, amenity contrib of $750K; if C2, none

CC: same as Sop

advice is conflicting; unclear as to overall effect on the value of the prop

never intent of Ccl to decrease value, so that's fair argument

a number of things changed, some to advantage of owners and some perhaps to detriment

nub for me, need to get it straight in my mind and the public

Mayor: increase in AC2 vs C2?     [7:24]

Sokol: cd not tell definitively if more under C2 or AC2 

can say under C2, cd hv built to 2.0

under AC2, limited to 1.75

if direct relationship between FAR you can build and the value of the prop, then yes, straightforward wd be worth more under the C2 zone

{Right, but incomplete -- there are three factors that affect this property's value: C2 had higher density hence higher value, and AC2 charges CAC which reduces value, but AC2 permits 100% residential which has higher value -- so Sokol is right, it is not possible to definitively determine the net effect of these three factors but on balance it is certainly more likely that the previous zoning (C2) was worth more to the property owners than the current AC2. To make things more complex, while the current property probably cannot take advantage of the 100% residential permitted under AC2, if the funeral home next door were to be demolished, the combined properties could go 100% residential -- so the value of this property under AC2 will also be affected by what happens next door.}

CC: prob is a whole bunch of variables changed

{yes: three variables did: density, use, and CAC payment}

in law we talk about ceteris paribus

{wch means: all other things being equal}

keeping everything else the same, will this one change increase value; that's fine, I accept it.

If you cd hv built more FAR under C2, then [AC2] a decrease in value

but my understanding is that's not the only thing that changed...

Mayor: Mr Sokol?

Sokol: what I can tell you is going from C2 to AC2 the amt of setbacks increased; amt of floor area decreased; and CAC increased, therefore I wd tend to believe probably under the C2 zone is was worth more but I cannot definitively give an answer.

Mayor: so clear, your recommendation is that this AC2, that's recomm of staff

Sokol: recomm is to modify AC2 for this site to permit an FAR of 2.0

SSch read reconvened PH procedure saying that:

b/c of an error in the notification sign the District required the applicant to post, the District is providing a further opportunity for persons who believe their interest/prop is affected by the proposed bylaw to be heard and present written submissions...

[7:26]

{oh dear, poor applicant.  District's error and it elongates the process (costly) for him......}

5. APPLICANT™S PRESENTATION

?1.7 and they were not followed

6. PUBLIC INPUT

Gabrielle Loren: Ch of Commerce; in full support

pre zoning, small foot print and better

key biz in cmnty

have no buyer or devt underway whatsoever

longstanding commitment to Amb revitalization

Ch has openly stated its position; invite contact us if questions

have made full submission

Brian Hann: you are aware of the concerns voiced by residents of Duchess

increase density -- not again revit Am increase to 1.75

provided sufficient setbacks and not impede the views

in viewing the hypothetical drawings, no xxx for views

only one xx

5/7 have garages on that lane; near misses, almost a speedway

1908, 1913, xxx, 1915; my house built by her parents in xxxx [7:33]

prob is the increasing traffic

prime resid area

potential for 72/75? parking stalls

Mr H highlighted his service; cdnt agree more -- &&&

so we don't know what the site is going to contain

no justification for increasing density above 1.75

{some applause}

Sheryl Young: just learned built in 1919 across from Legion

will probably be the most impacted

bothers me about Amb revit

love to see that, behind it, but struggle with this being passed to benefit the cmnty

see it as a plain money grab, don't blame 

also wd happen if he wd lower his price

all know lower price wd happen

all of benefit to owner

two small chn, spend a lot of time in back yard 

Michelle Albin who lives on Water Lane and felt her insight quite....

Ccl will reject change when future obscured

potential to increase traffic volume to a narrow laneway

pls do not give approval in this unique

consider quality of life and do not give a blind stamp of approval to the unknown

{some applause}

Judy Jansen: one point, really imp for your consideration

we are obliged to come here before you [7:37]

no idea what is going to be put on the site

Mr H and KG don't know

serving the Planning Dept's request for a plan

notion that the plan will proceed is moot

we are forced to be here to oppose it b/c we have no idea

not how inc will be used

when pressed how much they have lost they really cdn't answer

my nbr has made a good point -- at the right price

can't expect ppl come forth ev time an increase

{yes, we can -- if you want a say -- legislation has Public Hearing precisely so public can speak and have input}

amendment before

[Laughter]

Brian Carpenter:  strongly limit the vertical ht to four storeys

realize in a conflict of interest b/c-- 

Mayor: --wrong topic

Scenery Slater: telling that the 

owner did not ask for a return to C2 zoning

{Actually, given these explanations, not a fair comment.  As explained in the editorial comment above in red, the owner would almost certainly be better off under C2.  The reason they did not ask to go back to C2 is not that it wd be worse, it was that staff would have told them, correctly, that trying to escape the CACs payable under AC2 would not fly.}

seems purpose simply to increase the sale price of the prop

Tom Harrington: thank you for the opp to reinstate the FAR

plsd to say support of Ch, ABA, biz nbrs, and estd biz in Amb

our due diligence has been expensive

drawings.....

some misleading info from ppl who oppose

comm bldgs predate any of the residents who have purchased their homes in the nbrhd

33% between 1992 and 1998; 50% between 2001 and '11; remaining two 1970 and 1979

comm bldgs predate all

trying to claim resid lane but a comm lane and they knew when they bought

re prop values (gave to you)

the Assmt Auth, 1892 Duchess directly behind 18xxx directly behind new bldg Karl bul

1892 has second highest assmt

1876 behind next -- built with no setback from lane

1876 {check; maybe misheard} highest assmt and sits behind comm [7:44]

not here to have 12 out of 27 = issue about an imagined  xxxx

not here to discuss the 'terrible' state of Amb

as you know, M has assured us, never intent to downzone

FAR and have done that

2.02FAR before adoption of the OCP

we have done our part to prove the downzoning 

xxx  here tonight to ask

CC: Q been plaguing me

unusual process -- KG said approval before

residents concern about what may be built

asked to buy a pig in a poke

why you didn't or why you don't and structure an agreement wd receive more for your prop

[7:47] wd allow you to recapture the value

also allow us as Ccl and cmnty to make a decision as a X not a ? on a page

TH: never had an offer at 1.75 and three storeys

as soon as they see the Funeral Home they get starry eyed

we know 1.75, knew xxx, qn setback

came to mtg found out limited

lost a setback of 10ft on first floor, another 10ft off lane and another 30, and off Marine 30ft

we had no xxx this wd

xxx residents came to mtg

negatively

working on this for five years

CC: devpr?

TH: not interested in this, not had one in this prop lone

NG: concerns on traffic -- do we have any scientific info? studies? planning?

diff between current comm use and possible resid?

Sokol: no, but going from a mixed-use site -- less than an all-comm site

NG: if were to be approved, and buyer found..... how much control wd we have?

Sokol: all of the setback reqmts wd stay the same

1.75 or 2.02

{yes, he said 2.02}

NG: if later -- DRC look at it? residents? or can they buy whatever they want?

Sokol; wd req a DP, go to DRC, and go to PH

Mayor: anyone else?

[TP moves closure; passes]

Mayor: this will come back Mar 18

7. CLOSURE OF RECONVENED PUBLIC HEARING [7:53]

= 7pm* REGULAR COUNCIL MTG NOTES

1. Call to Order.

2. Approval of March 4, 2013 Regular Council Meeting Agenda

Amended by 

- deferring Item 8 to a special Council meeting to be held on March 11, 2013;

- adding additional information to Item 9;

- moving Items 10, 11, 12.1, and 12.2 to be considered immediately following Item 6;

- adding to Item 13, Items 13.1 to 13.2 regarding correspondence; 

3. Adoption of Minutes  --  February 18, 2013 regular and special Council meetings. [7:54]

DELEGATIONS

4. West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, regarding Annual Report (File:  0055-20-WVCC1)

PowerPoint presentation to be provided.

Maggie Pappas: also here Loren and Leagh; here for annual report

Ccl providing us with a modest return

refresh your memory what we're actually doing

Chamber going into a wonderful year ahead; going into a permanent ofc -- Pacific Arbour August

through ElderCollege extending into

looking forward to more impact than we have already, though our mbrship is at an all-time high

enhancing and facilitating all forms of biz in WV; we are the voice of biz in cmnty

how our cmnty moves forward

proving educational benefits, many discounts, good marketing outreach

Chamber services; enhancing biz, help them understand what is going on, "liaisoning" [sic] with our govt and beyond

going to stage two

advocating on behalf of many worthwhile initiatives, improving quality of life

initiated the Taste of Amb -- have done in Dund, HBy, and Caulfeild

xxx new customers; sold out 350 tix -- success

Revit -- Activation of Amb

getting opinions how they feel about Amb activation and streetscape

leadership role with ABA; about to take off with new leadership

and PkR .. involved with Centennial; various mayors at last mtgs; networking mtgs almost weekly; biz showcase

our second year: red hot Friday; antidote to money moving south

dinners periodically; giving back; donations; sharing from silent and x auctions

social media expanded last two years

www.westvancouver.com one of most imp

shopping locally

Youth 35 is a new effort this year; market face to face with new biz

future of WV and Chamber

"liaisoning" [sic] with Cap U, imp; film dept, work with us; hoping to continue that

{liaison is the noun; liaising is what is meant (from verb liaise)}

restructuring, our liaison Ccr Lewis

350 mbrs and gaining; expanding tourism and working hand in hand with District; supporting new biz

hope this is a precis for you; a full report in five years

thank you and see you all soon

Sop: seem you have your plate full -- we didn't even have  home

MaggieP: just about to get one

Sop: financial stmt?

Maggie; did last year; will be getting five-year; can provide at any time

{good question, Sop; why missing?}

ML: busy, am sure move into Westerleigh will make a huge diff

rec'd with thx

Motion unanimous

REPORTS

5. Reports from Mayor and Councillors on Boards, Committees, and Working Groups

{skipped; instead Mayor asked about the CoW mtg held Feb 25}

[8:08]

SSch: Cmte/Whole made two recomms

Dist not resp for the sound barrier continue to work with staff and [use of] Exit 2

staff report back Apr 13 with any xxx wrt cell tower policy

a motion to receive report and be adopted

CC: b/c no chance to talk about this again

can't vote for or in favour do what's recommended for residents in Gleneagles and roundabout

I feel we shd be doing more to assist those residents

Sch Bd received considerable funding at time re BCF

don't feel entitled to remove unilaterally

they say and I xxx they can't open their windows or xxx

like us to do more, contributing toward replacing the sound barrier

Sop: I can't support either of them

wire, towers three times and 27ft on top strewn across our cmnty

unsightly and xxx [8:11]

I'm going to seek info re money allocated to Sch Bd -- good for Ccl, Sch Bd, xxx court ordered -- was for everyone, leaving them high and dry

Mayor: if still controversy about CoW then reschedule for debate

MAB: wrt sound barrier; and think hadn't finished re wireless can't support either

Mayor: tabling?

MAB: yes

Mayor: Lewis and Cam

{Mayor: no discussion on a tabling motion?}

NG: we voted

SSch: permitted on xxx [8:13]

Mayor: will have to come back

disagreement; Cclrs want to work on this diligently

[8:14]

6. West Vancouver Memorial Library Teen Space (File:  1900-01) 

PowerPoint presentation to be provided.

Mayor: almost as crowded here as it is at the Library most days

Kirsty Farquharson: greetings; opp to share this celebration

KF, chair of LibBd; here Shannon and reps of WV teens [named]

during strategic planning services; Dist-wide priority

was located chn with picture books -- not for teens; Gr 6 through 12

share with you how they made it so

our world dominated by google and smart phones -- library?

[8:16] %age   55.

55.6% come

Lib regs wanted to make sure all part

Lisa: Gr 9  ...  imp to get feedback

two?:   Collingwood

co-design firm [8:20]

disc; no limits

collab work

space to call our own xxx not with chn and don't have to be quiet as in xxx

Joyce: WVSS

20 teens just for choosing the colours; colour calmed me down; blue ceiling like sky

Shannon: SLIDE

everything flexible and adaptable; shelving along wall

KF: thx

$64K from Fdn; from Dr Nowtash, a $10K gift

part Shannon [?]

391teens; growth, in rapid growth; open to ev after Mar 6

Mayor: Qs xxx; type of thing; staff, sponsors; congrat

Sop:  did you mention you were an old coot?

Ans: yes

Sop: from one old coot to another

becomes a network space [8:26]

ace....old coot, I'm there too

interchange verbally or?

Ans: collab; not all have things av

dist?

Ans: sep place too

Sop: ?

Ans: many parents don't let them go to PkR

TP:

mspac? old coot

13

others: 14

TP, corrected herself: 14

CC: xxx

don't think those not teens allowed

impressed

for themselves and those who come after xxx  transition; massively relevant

my chn

[8:31]

CC: sp ccl mtg Wed 6

xxx Mar 11

-------

{Then, obviously b/c getting late, agenda rushed through:}

Item 10 passed unanimously

Item 11 too

Sop: does adopted mean same as approved?

SSch: xxx

Item 12

{listening to this part wd clarify...}  

[8:35]

7. Official Cmnty Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Devt Permit Applicn for 1300blk S Marine (File:  1010-20-12-069)

Sokol: one of three allowed above 1.75 and density ??? amenities

remind public where we are

SLIDE

after tonight staff will decide what next

Amb revit xxx; no one view; xxx, galleria

split on bldg ht and form, mix and size; reduction of 9m 30ft

architectural distinctness between east and west

roof; streetscape standards -- coming forward for adoption at next mtg

need to be revised xxx; principal space; enhance 14th street; use of festival space

reduce av unit size; ofc space; addl parking

architectural refinements to reduce building bulk and horizontality

feel applicant shd work with staff -- revision, to DRC, then back

[8:39] Sop: thank you for input by staff; feel to 'consider' xxx; at arm's length

Sokol: some recomm more direct than that -- reduce of height, distinctiveness between two bldgs; streetscape standards

some are 'consider'; others clear direction

who:?SiioL nub? if 30ft

Sokol says approx

some spoke of reduction of ceiling ht

thought 30ft a good compromise

Sop: what if Ccl demanded one floor of parking? put to them as a consideration?

Mayor: item (i)

Sokol: with work maybe a floor underneath

public amenity counted toward CAC; might be more.... now down out in surrounding streets

Dallas? Laporta: WV resident; support applicn, terrific

attracts residents not only from WV; no place to go -- rain for eight months of the year

Mayor: Eagle Island

Chris Coulter: xxx  design; commercially viable project

as taxpayers don't want to be on the hook paying for redevt

don't know if taking off three storeys, I'm not a devpr

strange step in the right direction; request approval; if a few modifications, so what

xxx?: public spaces; revit; permit package

look forward to working with James Cheng

[8:48] ML: it wd be useful for me if you went through each of the ten suggestions; can you comment?

James Patillo of Grosvenor:

RECOMMENDED: THAT

1. The applicant work with staff to pursue revisions to the proposal as follows:

a) A reduction of approximately 9 m (30 ft) in the maximum overall bldg height through a combination of measures

such as reduced floor to ceiling height, reduced number of storeys, and treatment of rooftop equipment;

we have some ideas of how we can achieve that, reducing ceiling and mech rooftop treatment, will look at that

spoke with James Cheng and he thinks he can deal with that

b) Further design devt to create an attractive fifth (rooftop) elevation using a combination of measures such as

minimizing rooftop equipment, using elevators with small overruns, and concealing the equipment within the

uppermost storey;

c) Further design development to introduce architectural distinctness between the west and east buildings;

d) Landscaping and public realm revisions consistent with the Ambleside Streetscape Standards;

more consistent with Amb Street

e) Design modifications which reinforce 14th Street as the principal public space, including public realm treatment

consistent with the Ambleside Streetscape Standards, and improved building permeability facing 14th Street through measures such as storefronts, doors, restaurants, patios, and awnings;

quite achievable

bike lanes and public art; have that discussion with staff/planning

ML: yay, nay, or maybe wd be more useful

JP: xxx though we can address to satisfaction of staff

f) Updates to the Bellevue Avenue cross-section including the provision of parking on the north side and potential

changes to the location of separated bike lanes and public art;

understand not support for that position

perhaps staff can speak to that; open to discussing that

g) Consider a reduction in average residential unit size;

modifications of the bldg will dictate that

depth not having lane dictates size

work with architect

h) Consider inclusion of office space as a 2nd storey land use;

a little more diff

efficiencies in exiting; will do our best to explore that

i) Consider add'l public parking (on- or off-site) as an anticipated component of a possible Cmnty Amenity

Contribution; and,

Bob was correct; quite costly to introduce another level of parking on our site

soil gets a lot worse; a locn adj to site

CACs to parking

j) Various architectural refinements intended to reduce building bulk and sense of horizontality (e.g. cut back

Cheng has some ideas on that

overhangs; reduction in number and extent of concrete slab extensions, etc).

2. The revised applicn be referred back to the Design Review Cmte for add'l urban design and architectural feedback; and,

3. Staff report back to Ccl with the revised proposal, the outcome of the DRC mtg, and/or direction

on next steps in the devt application review process.

NG: re public art piece -- from CACs or donation?

JP: haven't had discussion yet what CAC and not xxx; wd like to discuss as part of the package

lovely contribution; a WV artist great connection ..... with Gordon Smith [8:53]; think will be a draw

TP: CACs, normally we don't discuss that until a rezoning decision in front of us too soon

why in front of us tonight?

Sokol: no final decisions are being made on this tonight

Grosv discussion, &&&

if Ccl or any mbrs of cmnty want to give ideas as to whether art counts toward CAC

TP: a lot of decisions in front of us, ten, and the CAC not approp at this time; cd be other things

don't know what that will look like till we know

Sop: if 30 ft cut off, number of storeys?

JP, Grosv: 30ft off tallest bldg, down to seven storeys, removing mechanical unit to top floor

reducing the ceiling hts, whatever needed

dropping a storey; on the second bldg, maintaining 7th floor but xxx mechanical xxx

CC: Mr Patillo, what are we left wrt a bldg height off of Marine?

diff bet present Bellevue, Argyle?

JP: 108ft so less than 80ft so adj off 70ft

diff xxx; Bellevue ad not be same xxxx

CC: 7 and 6

JP: 7 and 7

CC:  ??? 

JP: Bellevue and Marine 6ft?

5 ft

{This is where confusion started.

Eight floors; cut by 30ft; ten ft for a storey, so one thinks from eight down to five, reinforced by a reference to fifth (we find out later it's jargon and doesn't mean five storeys, just means 'top').  Though that appears logical, we've just heard Grosvenor's rep, James Patillo, say the 'height' will be seven storeys.

Cutting 30ft off an eight-storey bldg and still have seven storeys?

a mystical 30ft proposed that can be magically removed with little actual change???

bargaining bulge anticipated losing in negotiations?}

Mayor: back to [public]

Stephanie Laporta: xxx behind the curve

{interesting comments; it's at 9pm but this newsletter will never get out if I keep stopping to listen to the tape.  Timestamps are provided for anyone to do so if they want more details and confirmations}

ev agrees revit of 1300 blk more in favour; 70% in favour

extensive consultation;

moving forward; I with 200 residents pls approve

[APPLAUSE]

Jerry Bolan (sp?): xxx ask question 70% in favour

how many directly affected, that live in Amb

my prop will be devalued, even with these [changes]

surveys, of WV, why not of those directly affected

I know revit has to be done; not restructured xxx

my family living here since 1955; like the village -- if more a village mode, more acceptable for me

APPLAUSE

A Moran: the proposal we've seen medium, large, and v large -- who? off shore

another Coal Harbour so how address Amb and WV?

bldg has to be smaller and indiv units have to be smaller

Eric Moran: and I will not be affected by this bldg

when Grosv came up to speak; you have a corp citizen willing to work with you

understand residents of the area will be affected, and be concerned

may do the opp simply b/c of being able to walk over to a great part of town

encourage, come over and check this out

Maggie Pappas: speaking on behalf of this project from Day One

say to Mr Sokol, what a good list of objectives

I was a co-chair of the Strategic Planning Group; lots of public engagement

what public said wanted, see in this tonight; important things being asked for

make a reality sooner rather than later; probably end up with a wonderful devt

cmnty wants it; just need some compromises for &&& [9:07]

Rebecca Black: husband cdn't be here

I support Amb revitalization, attended KMC; impressed by the bldg, thought they did a good job presenting it

shabby beside it helped in selling it

went home and thought about it, and thought what it wd look at driving into WV

partly height, still have rest of Amb 

get asked about cmnty character, although I love the bldg, don't know about this bldg; we think it's a village; if we want to live downtown we wd

a little funkiness; maybe some compromises can work

my husband, Peter Lambur

{text supplied}

I had a feeling after watching some of [the] night's proceedings that there seems to be sides forming in this argument aside from the developer versus residents. It would seem the Ambleside revitalization initiative has strong support with the Chamber of Commerce who also seem to think that this project on the 1300 block is going to save the day for them. I guess it was just a coincidence that the Chamber had their annual report presentation in which they shine a favourable light on themselves and all that they do for the community.

I have no doubt that some businesses in Ambleside are desperate to survive and are looking for any help they can get but perhaps they should be careful about what they ask for because they might get it. If Ambleside gets this new, glitzy, modern -- did I mention huge? -- building, it will set a tone for what once was the "village" of Ambleside.   The picture that comes to mind is some of the new shopping districts that have sprung up in South Surrey. 

Forget about anything charming or unique. You can see examples of this type of development in some of the prime seaside developments along the west coast of the US. Places like Carmel that adhered to stiff building restrictions and maintained their charming look seem to thrive. In fact the ones that maintained their integrity and charm far surpass in value the newer commercial developments that everyone thought looked new and "modern" at the time but now look generic and are filled with empty storefronts because the rents are too high and they can't survive economic downturns.

My point is - once you lose the charm and village atmosphere it's gone forever. It seems some people are dazzled by the developer's slick presentations and don't see the the big picture or perhaps they have a different set of values from the residents who live in close proximity. There is a difference between revitalization and destroying everything and starting from scratch. If this block goes ahead I fear the days are numbered for the rest of Ambleside.

---

Mr. Mayor and members of Council:

My name is Peter Lambur and I live at 1060 Clyde Avenue. I™ve lived at this address in Ambleside for more than 20 years and know my neighbourhood intimately. I™ve been a strong supporter of businesses along Marine Drive in what is locally referred to as Ambleside Village. I™m also an architect and urban planner who has served as a consultant to the District of West Vancouver Planning Department regarding development guidelines for future development along Marine Drive and for the Evelyn Drive development.

My background and professional bias might suggest to you that I support the redevelopment of the 1300 block of Marine Drive and you wouldn™t be wrong BUT at the same time my sympathies and support are with the majority who oppose the project because of the way it is presently proposed.

At issue here is a potentially precedent-setting project that will materially change the character of Ambleside forever. For a place with the unofficial motto of œwe like things the way they are� this is a serious matter notwithstanding a recent Mustel poll that shows 2 to 1 West Vancouverites favour the developer™s proposal.

The problem with the Mustel poll isn™t with its technical accuracy, but with who was polled and what the results represent. I would argue that the issues surrounding development along Marine Drive affect the residents of Ambleside the most. And, historically, Amblesiders have been the most vocal and influential in community decisions about their neighbourhood “ a kind of healthy Nimbyism that has served to protect the character of the place. Over the 20 years I™ve lived here, there hasn™t been one Council that has voted against the wishes of their constituents and this Council would be well advised to listen carefully to this very important constituency unfairly dubbed ˜opponents™ of the project.

Throughout all the consultation on Ambleside Revitalization, there have never been any explicit discussions “ never mind community endorsement of “ significant development density increases beyond the limits of current zoning along the Marine Drive corridor. Indeed, your Director of Planning, Bob Sokol, told me just a few weeks ago that the Planning Department didn™t endorse the high density mixed-use redevelopment proposal for the Safeway site. But when pressed as to the difference between the Safeway site and the 1300 block “ both labelled ˜special™ sites by the Planning Department “ he couldn™t provide a response. When asked if a four-storey development could be viable on the 1300 block, Sokol was evasive and deferred to the developer™s need, and I quote œfor extra storeys to make the project work.� In other words, the Planning Department had no official position on the matter, but a clear inclination towards greater density.

When I was asked back in 2005 to prepare some illustrations of the idealized form of development along Marine Drive, these took the form of two- and three-storey street-related buildings with retail on the ground floor and apartments set back from the street above: something similar to what has been built recently along Marine Drive and elsewhere in Vancouver, for example in Kits along 4^th Avenue. This fitted with the role of Marine Drive as a neighbourhood-serving retail centre providing convenience services and amenities to the residents of Ambleside. This has been the primary function of the Marine Drive business area for more than 60 years and endures as a viable model to guide future development.

To those who believe that Ambleside should be more like Park Royal, I would say that you either don™t live here or [don't] understand how a real community functions. And I would challenge these same people to start patronizing the merchants that are already there.

To those who say, œwe need a substantial anchor development for our Ambleside Town Centre� I say the real Town Centre is Park Royal and, in fact, Park Royal was the officially designated Town Centre in earlier Official Plans. And, by the way, the proposed development falls far short of providing the critical mass needed to transform Ambleside into a shopping destination for those who live outside West Van. Again, Park Royal has that covered in spades.

The point is, Ambleside is not broken despite Grosvenor™s attempt to portray themselves as the saviours of a commercial area in decline. Sure, Ambleside could use some sprucing up and incentives to fill the gaps in the commercial retail frontage but with Grosvenor adding one acre of new retail space, all this will do is add to the oversupply in the neighbourhood and it will be hard to fill. Empty stores won™t ˜revitalize™ the place and may, in fact, worsen the problem.

And to those who believe that the proposed development will be a fine architectural addition to West Vancouver, I would argue that the Arthur Erickson-inspired terraced building is, well, ˜old school™. Elsewhere in Vancouver, communities and neighbourhoods are breathing life into their existing commercial areas by means of small-scale projects contributing to vibrant shopping environments and community space, but here we™re contemplating trading away an irreplaceable community asset for an exclusive residential enclave for the few. The size and bulk of the new building is clearly out of scale with the community. This belongs in Coal Harbour, not West Vancouver. The view corridors, vistas, and ˜festival street™ amenities proposed by the architect already exist and are not enhanced by the new development.

Reflecting on the proposed sculpture to be created by our own Doug Coupland and Gordon Smith as a result of their day spent beachcombing together “ Best Day Ever “ you can imagine the irony if the project goes ahead as planned. I wonder if either Douglas or Gordon would be proud.

Grosvenor should take note and come back to the community with a substantially scaled down, nuanced version of their vision, and the District should scale down their land value expectations accordingly.

Thank you for listening.

--

Mayor: leave with Clerk; wd like to read it

RB: will

Gerry Edinger; Clyde Ave; plsd to see Ccl, staff has taken some suggestions

not opposed to devt but am to the height-- to high for the village of Amb

must be other ways to raise money to replace the Police Stn

not builder [9:12]

maybe Ccl to get the money for it

[buyers] may not be here to enjoy the pineapple express but where pineapple growing

Barb Hunter: have attended about all the mtgs

recall when first took place -- is prop sold or dependent on?

Mayor: sold, but Grosvenor can out and if Ccl doesn't like it, out too

Grosv owns west side

BH: can we see what these look like?

just heard another vision; wd like to hear what each of you

Mayor: hear when Ccl discusses

BH: xxx

Mayor: discuss their vision

BH: don't want piecemeal

Mayor: seen Amb strategy

BH: not MDr

Janet Rothwell:  1297 Clyde Clyde and 13th

hope Ccl will take time and trouble to xxx Mustel questions

v much against, but was unable to express this during the survey

disturbing headline on NSN; Sunday, embraced by ev

do not see an asset to this area

v frustrated; cd not convey

80 units and too high but the survey did not address either of these issues

Scenery Slater: [text supplied]

It has been reported in both the North Shore News and the Outlook that Mayor and Council have concerns about monster houses in West Vancouver.

Those concerns need to be applied to massive commercial development proposals in Ambleside.

Upward height and density limits should not be discretionary, but must be stipulated in zoning. Why are we talking about what a day on 1300 block might look like or the merits of a glass of wine after 8pm when we have yet to address this. 

In order to understand the priorities of residents we need to have a realistic model of a smaller scale development for comparison purposes. This should not be provided by the developer. Development benefits must be measured from this standard rather than against an empty or dilapidated lot.

The staff report that recommends a nominal decrease in height is a small step in the right direction, but the public needs to know exactly why council feels that an oversized development could be in the community interest.

The community has greater interest in known zoning standards that are not negotiable.

Melinda Slater: complaint when they got five; and we three

[text supplied] Reference Council Report Date FEB 15, 2013, File: 1010-20-12-069

My name is Melinda Slater and I reside at 1058 Keith Road.

Staff have made some recommendations based in part on community feedback. After reviewing the feedback used I have some concerns.

I noticed there were 92 respondents to a survey on Change.org that directly e-mailed Mayor and Council requesting they reject the 1300 development proposal and adhere to AC1 AC2 zoning. Yet the correspondence summary (Appendix E of the Council Report) indicates approximately 123 pieces of correspondence received by Council of which 49 did not support the development proposal.

This does not add up. The Change.org survey alone indicates almost double the numbers do not support the development proposal than what the Council Report shows.

What weight is given to the 384 questionnaires, which were filled out anonymously? At least one person was observed filling out multiple questionnaires. Should we not verify who completed these?

I understand ADRA advised Council last meeting of their petition with over 1400 signatures (with names and addresses) requesting Council not approve any rezoning request for the 1300 block that exceeds 46.9 feet in height.

Does it not make sense to actually confirm the community™s preference for height before drawing conclusions and making recommendations based on incomplete, unverified, and possibly inaccurate information?

A number of comments from the Design Review Committee express concern as to the height/density of the proposed development, noting the height is actually equivalent to a 12-STOREY BUILDING in conventional terms. They also expressed

CONCERN ABOUT THE PRECEDENT OF THIS BUILDING FOR THE REST OF AMBLESIDE.

Mayor and Council have recently expressed concern about monster houses that dwarf their neighbours. How is this development any different?

Revitalization of Ambleside is a common, recurring theme. At the Kay Meek meeting Bob Sokol acknowledged that district staff do NOT expect this one development will revitalize Ambleside, rather it will take a number of such developments to achieve this.

I would like clarification on this. How many more developments will it take and of what height? Indeed, what information do we have that indicates height/density equates to vitality? Would a two- or even a one-storey structure not achieve the same goal? I have seen no evidence yet that supports the need for this kind of increase in density.

-------

Tim Arnold: 47 years and my view not impacted

contemplate between 13th and 18th

ev mtg for last two years; revit but scrap the hi rises

Grosv about streetscapes

hi rises the hot button issue; bldgs 11-storey plus? a ski hill, an insult

3x and 70% greater

this has to be driven by us, NOT you; Grosvenor doesn't get that

told that on Safeway site

strict bldg bylaws to control; monster houses destroy nbrhd character

Mayor Smith says character to top of list; same in this, monster bldgs

three groups; want nothing, ridiculous no fun zone; those 100% go along with whatever, just as ludicrous; then the no-thought advocates, then the middle xxx [9:25]

re 1A a start but has to be more

Grosv not stupid, but neither are we

have Listen in your vocabulary

go back; am sure you're up to the challenge

Robbie Innes: [text supplied]

A gentleman who lives in Dundarave was quoted as saying he wants Ambleside stores to stay open after 8pm, sidewalk cafes, restaurants with outdoor patios with the smell of exotic foods.  Could these not go into Dundarave -- whoops -- they are there.   Does he not support them?  If not, why not?  and why does he think a huge bldg will ensure them in Ambleside?

No matter the size of the bldgs at 1300 Marine whether they are 3, 5, or 10 storeys, what might be put in at street level seems to be a hot topic.  But really no matter the size of the bldgs, we have no guarantee what shops/services are planned for the 1st floor.  What we do know is that even with the staff recommendation to reduce some height, the proposal is still about twice as large as anything else in the Ambleside Ctr neighbourhood -- this is not appropriate.

I am not against having fun, beauty and art, and fantastic food in nice surroundings with an outstanding wine cellar and a separate wine cellar on the side that doesn't close at 8pm.  What I am opposed to is the height of these two high rises, period!

His Worship wants strict bldg bylaws put into place to preserve our various nbrhds' characters from the construction of monster houses where they are stripping lots from side to side to build them.  He wants staff to put this subject close to the top of their to-do lists and wants them to come back to Council with recommendations as to housing bulk, height, and allowable floor limits.  I totally agree with him to help preserve what and who we are and why we choose to live here.  What about [the character of the Ambleside nbrhds]?  There are people who live there who also want to sit in their yards, patios, and balconies, and enjoy their views and ambience of their nbrhd.

Monster houses -- monster towers -- what is the difference nbrhd by nbrhd?  My guess is the density bonusing -- and that's it.

[9:27] Elaine Fonseca: resident for 37 years

revit but to what degree?

clipping from NSN, Grosv plans to buy SuperValu site in Edgemont V

Still states, three to four storeys is something that wd be 

if that for Edgemont, why not for Amb -- adequate

why is Ccl considering this massive ht when others not discussed?

now hear 30ft will be eliminated

devt on the Safeway site, Fresh St Market a roaring success, all been there

was going to be more than the nbrhd wanted to endure

now if the Safeway site can lower, why not Grosv lower? 

character of Ambleside by the Sea

being such, something we're not -- across town no character and massive devts

Keith Pople: ADRA hs bn conducting a simple petition: ht be limited to 4 and 1.75; 1470 sigs and still coming in

not an anonymous survey; all valid WV residents signed names and addresses; been advised to provide staff with validation

well-received, not diff to

want redevt but preserve village character; four storeys -- Edgemont, Robson

current still allows hi; and not respectful of seaside structure; alternative revit

most imp decision Ccl will have to make

sets a precedent and will affect WV forever

Lawrence Allingham: in favour of devt and of growth, think a good company

not in favour of this -- too hi

putting massive bldgs on the south side of MDr; maybe on North side

one as high as now, 80ft; corner of 22nd and Marine, Wetmore six storeys -- two higher

not a nice thought -- we will see the end of the name of WV

will become the city of WV

APPLAUSE (AND AFTER THOSE ABOVE)

Brian Carpenter:   simple -- serious concern about the ht -- in order of four storeys

whatever we approve will be applied all along -- why can't I have it; we're deciding on whole of that area

Ccl selling part of the land, a degree of a conflict of interest; want to maximize it for return

ppl don't like xxx [9:38]

orig phase was seven storeys -- you're building a picket fence along the waterfront

lived quietly since then and now up again

really want one seven storeys high

Ray Deharnais: obvious to me the no vote has a well scripted prog they read from

[laughter]

heard xxx time and again

sit there [in lobby] and outside windows counted five

village atmos; it is beautiful down there

four-storey cd go from lot line to lot line

proj presented is a beautiful -- let's not be brainwashed that no hirises 

many 25 storeys

platforms that this is a massive structure and don't believe it is

Kimble Nicholls {sp?}: xxx 2160 Shafton, 25-year resident

proposed a lot of attractiveness but will change the character of the entrance

cut off perspective and views; entrance to harbour and LGH; impact on ppl on north side of MD -- don't know what impact

suggestion large bldgs large shadow effect

apparent conflict of interest; looking to Grosv to pay for a new PSB

is Ccl able to produce a clear perspective on issue

both produce a good devt but finances nec for PSB

too massive

CR: tyvm; Editor of West Van Matters

I wasn't going to speak.  I've got a few notes here so it won't be quite as organized.

About the questionnaire that Mustel did, b/c I don't know how seriously you will take the results, and I hope that they do print the questions, b/c my husband and I -- we happened to be randomly chosen -- and the problem that we had with -- and it was somewhat described in the NSN -- was that they wd ask, are you in favour of it or whatever,  and then they'd say, are you in favour of diversity of housing, are you in favour of affordable, are you in favour of all of these things, and you say yes, to those of course b/c we all want the renewal, the devt, all of this, and then they say and NOW, are you in favour of the Grosvenor  {bldg}

As if, and this is what (don't know if I said 'infuriated' but he was right to say that) as if, in order to get diversity and affordability and all those things we had to say yes to that building.  {!}

It was that connection wch I found offensive.

b/c it doesn't {allow for?} the fact that we want these things but it doesn't mean just b/c I want them I have to say yes to whatever is at 13th.

Yes, I'm in favour of revitalization, in favour of redevt, as many are.

I think we're v proud of our village character and I don't think it shd be a surprise to you that most residents want to KEEP the village character.

I understand that the lot on the N side of MDr beside the station might be for sale.  So we have this vision of someone building over there and we're going to have a canyon down there.

Now ...

{addressing another topic, someone earlier had said he'd seen lots of hi rises so what's the problem}

there are hi rises here, but there's zoning for the hi rises, so that the residential areas are protected to keep their character.  So we're not against hi rises, it's where they're going to be.

I'm pleased with these suggestions tonight of some changes, and it is heartening to hear that Grosv has agreed to those modifications

So then maybe, when we get the new design, you will, I understand you might have the process again, so that we can all give our ideas for the new design.  An Ideas Fair, again perhaps.

Let's see ...

{next topic}

Now, Grosv is imaginative and creative enough that I think they can come up with something that is 'village', and not quite so overwhelmingly massive.

I describe that {the present} concept as a ziggurat.  I don't want a shorter, smaller, ziggurat, or cruise ship as some call it, but I think there's a way of designing something that has the individual and modulated and varied rooftop and shapes that wd make it still look like a village and have less of an impact.

On one point that I have been talking to you about, um...  {looking for next point}

Mayor: summarize it quickly, Carolanne

CR: right.

I hv bn saying prefer you to lease and not sell, cuz I want us to keep our land bank; other ppl refer to this as conflict of interest, and what I wd say, is that if you do have to sell, I think you shd consider buying other land to replace the land bank, not give it away.

Mayor: thank you for that

CR: thank you

{applause}  [9:49]

Peter Scholfield: welcome entrance to WV

it's not a block, it's a terraced building; terraced, less than seven or eight storeys

re recomm no 1

festival, 14th St; 14th is on the bike route, didn't see ref to that

v much support recomm sep bike lane along Bellevue; sep bike lane by staff v much support

Mayor: anybody else?

Hanneke Eyres (sp?): HBay; not impacted at all by this

walking along seawall, bldg impact; ht biggest impact; too hi

recogn a lot of hirises along waterfront

resident for only eight years; saw them and said hope not going to continue on

keep what we're trying to maintain

[9:53] Mayor: need motion to continue past 10pm

PASSED unanimously

Rolf Beltz: question re ISMP on Vinson Crk

Mayor: on topic?

RB: Vinson goes down 14th

Mayor: don't know what

RF: Integrated Stormwater Master Plan

downstream impacts b/c almost completely built out

{apparently talked to staff a couple of months ago}

Mayor: answers your question

RB: understood Mr Fung told all of you

xxx  some go down 15th and s....

know you all go to Streamkeeper mtgs so wonder why you'd not put this on

Mayor: can we make a commitment to follow up on that?

RB: that wd be good

Michel Segur: just across the new tsunami wall you want to build there

against what now

wd like to see half the block in two parts, one one floor only and the rest in two towers

from my window I have a water view, if put two towers [arms wide and narrow]

two towers xxx high, ev wd lose a bit but not all

xxx ... bring water into MDr

see the water driving by; see water there, nice feeling to see when you drive

if you bring back the water in Amb you'll bring light back into MDr

[9:58] Mayor: seeing no other

one mbr of Ccl suggests a three-minute break, then we'll continue

>>>  BREAK [10:06]  <<<

TP: I'll read all ten {the whole motion is in full at beginning}

Sokol: 10:09

Mayor: Cclr P

TP: a privilege to be here, legacy, believe it in my heart; of course will be opposition

but there is a need for renewal in Amb, we've heard this clearly

adjustments will be made; shd be encouraged by the ideas that hv come out of our Design Panel [sic]

the investment made of Grosv; the investment [of] Dist resources; the creation of this opportunity over several councils

.... tremendous amt of work. lifting out of OCP, policy doc 2004, driving proposal tonight

refinements going to be part of any project if listening to cmnty and our job is to do that

first one, we've heard -- height and massing -- a fair revision

top... keep in mind financial implications

b to a

struggled b/c this world-renowned architect

idea to devp a better realm

cmnty ctr an integrated design

landscaping will know of course Grosv will strive to WV Excellent

make sure we meet those hi standards

Bellevue -- of course parking; need to be clear with separated bike lanes

we have a transp plan; peds first; cyclists up there too

how make it function better

reduction in unit sizes, certainly our dialogue in nbrhd character was clear, where need is

CAC, a bit unclear as to why here now, need to be in front of us when rezoning (not in front of us)

xxx again ht and massing

my comments at this pt in time; be engaged, long time to get to this point, xxx with cmnty

ML: not going to repeat what Cclr P said, gone through appropriate

quoting Churchill, think the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end

here tonight not talk about -- not a proposal in front of us, this is not a PH

this is an opp to feedback to the devpr comments from the cmnty recomms from staff to devpr

for devpr to hear first hand

this is the beginning, this is really just the first dance

wd be remiss not to allow the process to unfold, as it will

no mbr of ccl made up mind on this

not legislative, or resp to cmnty

accept these recomms from staff, work with devpr as suggested

come back in near future with a Devt Applicn we can debate and go through process, PH

then decide whether or not to go through

we're here to decide whether to continue the process and I'm in favour

Sop: re ht -- 8 and 7 storeys 108ft

did I hear correctly reduction of 30ft and come back at 7 and 7?

am I to believe the 8th floor was 30ft high?

{yup -- Sop caught it.  Reduce by 30ft and only going down one storey, from eight to seven???

As I said earlier/above, the extra was just bargaining margin???}

[10:17] Sokol: ceiling 11 - 12 ft, so if you reduce each by a foot

removing elevator come out but wd not be removing storeys

Sop: "b) an attractive 5th, rooftop, elevation"

Sokol: apologize for jargon -- means the top

{ ! ! !

so found out it's an architectural term -- front, back, east, west, are four sides, right? so the fifth is the top! Makes sense but not the way most ppl wd read it.}

?: 16 years ago Police Bldg

also think Grosv one of the renowned devprs in the world

as far as I'm concerned, a renowned group of citizens

8- and 7-storey unit; wonder why presented to us and turn it down

Sokol: need

Sop: if we saw over time, felt through all the public exposure there were ht, bulk, massing and felt unacceptable

why not tell Grosv no, go back and do something else

Mayor: that's what we're doing

staff say work with them

Sop: applicn to 1300 block; next session and go through it again

DRC commented on and various parking; there's another negative

[10:22] go away, look at these recomms and we're going to get much the same coming back

gave context of how fitting in and not hearing how fits in

quite a void; this doesn't do it for me; app work done

Grosv wd like to see there

not ready to accept, not right feel, doesn't go far enough

I think it's 

[10:23] marks

Sokol: if Ccl will make recommendations

Sop:

Mayor:

NG: I'd like to speak and before my nbr who's writing a book

will take my max time

win-win for everyone

think staff has done a good job, best they can

how high is the bldg Westerleigh?

Sokol: unfortunately staff does not know; some way seven, or six

{!!!???  who does?  not expected to know all but this is recent.}

NG: want feet, not storeys

{right}

what has been suggested is going in the right direction

not convinced low enough at 78ft

a lot of suggestions

Number of ppl pro and con

#1 concern design and ht, doesn't promote the seaside atmosphere ppl have in mind

address that concern in ppl's minds

second: rooftop elevation, wd agree with Peter Schofield, wd like to see some solar panels

#3 {c)} bet E and W; distinctiveness cd be a bit more seaside village-ish -- am sure cd be more techcnical but you know what I mean

{d)} yes

{e)} yes

{f)} yes

public art question -- is the public art CACs taxpayers pay for or devpr's donation in good will

g) one I'm most concerned about; wd like to see stronger wording re size; wd prefer reduce the unit size

many not in favour b/c units v large, so v expensive, smallest 1500sf so $2M+ -- grandma can't afford it

88 proposal, ht comes down? wd hv to be smaller units

ofc space wd be a benefit

addl parking on or off site

agree with TP, talk about CACs later

promoting seaside village atmosphere, counting on proponent to do that

re conflict of interest mentioned tonight

the msg we got two years ago about link with this and PSB, for me there is no link

I don't think we're dependent

for me no xxx; ... so

Mayor: getting to wrapping?

NG: I'm getting closer

Sokol says more background info 

want to see shadow at Dec 21st; I know Mar, Jun, and Sept but I want to see Dec

for proponent's sake, want to see view studies in the second black book we have, from apts

a long way to understand what that will be

proponent providing more info, part of OCP, &&&

1.75 elsewhere in Amb

just figured this out recently in xxx on p 132, does nothing to show me what that means

think proponent wd go further to show it in four storeys

Mayor: are--

[applause]

Mayor: CC

NG: he can have the rest

some sort of pole, balloon, scaffolding to show the cmnty ht

Mayor: you realize this is the Corp of WV; it's a biz

{hm.  The municipal govt is doing the biz of the residents

So, yes it is a biz but it is answerable to the residents, it is not strictly a biz operating without involvement or consideration of the citizens.  Profit is not its motive.  Serving the public is.}

CC: {some text supplied}

probably the most imp decision Ccl will make during this term

disagree with ML not reflect xxx

our task is to provide the devpr based on what the cmnty said and our best judgement

I'm not going to vote for anything unless a benefit to WV regardless of financial considerations

no doubt devt of 1300blk needed and it wd be failure if five or ten years from now if the block still looks like it does today [10:37]

the reality is that a four-storey bldg is not going to be built by Grosv however I don't believe any building is necessarily better than what we have now.  it has to be the right building

once something is built, it will be with us for generations.  For example, the Eaton's bldg downdown has been an eyesore for decades

the issue is how to find the appropriate compromise between what Grosvenor proposes and what the community supports

I have some problems with how this process has unfolded.   I think Ccl and the cmnty should figure out what we want, set the design parameters and invite proposals from developers.   The process we have now is entirely reactive.  There are no real parameters for the special sites.  The developer comes forward with a proposal and we have to react to it.

none, vague, how to place in context

opinion in the community is divided on this proposal.  I have read all of the letters and email sent in, listened to the submissions, met with many residents, and done a lot of thinking about this proposal.

           staff recomm a good start and I am encouraged that Grosvenor appears willing to compromise.

when the District lands in the 1300blk were sold, I set out five areas that I would use to assess what devt on that site wd be in the public interest

           fit; housing; commercial and retail mix; public spaces; transportation and parking circulation

first, height -- the staff recommend reducing the height by 30ft.   Taking off 11.6ft elevator shaft and the top floor on one building gets you to 23ft, a reduction in ceiling height produces the remaining 7ft reduction.  In addition, the building is about 500ft wide.   It appears the elevator shafts are 60ft wide and that the top floor on the west building is about 130 ft wide.   So, the height of the building is only being reduced over a small portion of the building, so that vast bulk remains; still a v large bldg

I'm not convinced anything over 60 to 65 ft a fit for various reasons

wd like to see a reduction of 40 to 45ft, the size of a six-storey bldg, not seven or eight

difficult to really envision the impact of the building as lowered; need to see revised elevations, view studies, a model to conclusively assess what height would be appropriate.

like NG and Sop wd like Grosv to show us what the diff is

wd like to see some alternatives when they come back, not just one proposed reduction

b) through f) seem fine.

g) re resid size -- want us to direct Grosvenor to decrease the size of units and significantly increase the number of units; not 88, would like to see 120 -- want to see them more affordable

consider housing on the east side of the east bldg -- lower value, smaller units, more accessible.

Amb town centre strategy suggests this area shd be townhouses, more affordable b/c less sought after

ground level townhouses on the east building would also concentration of commercial space.  The Amb town centre strategy calls for retail to be concentrated between 13th and 18th.  This proposal shows retail all around the 1300blk, which conflicts with that policy.

fit in with proposal b/c comm whereas this doc {held up} says the opposite

apart from that I want to know why and I haven't heard

I have read Grosvenor's retail study and its scope is limited.   I want to know what retail mix is proposed by Grosvenor, why they think it will work and how it will impact the existing businesses.

ofc space not as imp as ht/massing; fit is a higher order priority than including office space.   As a result, i won't insist on office space on 2nd floor; can put ofc space elsewhere

115 retail parking spaces and 15 for public seems inadequate -- wd like to see some analysis of why this is a sufficient number.

we don't have a sense of how much parking we need in Amb but we do hear from many that parking is too limited.

lastly, three pts missing

more detail on the retail proposed to be in the bldg

read the retail strategy and doesn't say what will succeed and why

agree with Cclr G re CAC and art -- maybe money to FBG or Silk Purse

[10:45]  Yes, Mr Mayor allowed five minutes and believed; started at 10:36

finally, I am concerned that we don't know how this proposal fits in with Ambleside and the future vision for Ambleside;  agree with the speakers on this front.

not addressed by proponent and it isn't really the proponent's job to set out what we want Ambleside to look and feel like in future.  This is something the District and Council must do.  This project will undoubtedly set a precedent for Amb.  For example, the north side of the 1300blk will be affected -- what's going to happen there, won't stay at two to three storeys if a seven- to eight-storey building is going in across the street?   Seems to me we can't assess the merits of this proposal unless we have a better idea of what we envision for Ambleside in future (structure plan).

Mayor: remarks in timely manner

great ideas what shd go, put your money up, build your building, and as long as it complies, you can put

this has been going on for 20 years

$xxx get $750K

Lyman? house [10:48]

we do have parameters: we do have ht except for three sites

devpr put their money up

when was last new bldg in Amb?

BofM; exempt banks b/c they xxx

{chuckles}

[this] quality devpr and out with tail between their legs

Fresh Mkt, nothing xxx

we'll consider more than four if we get 

out to public

things coming back

staff w/ revised project

if public described a four-storey penitentiary from xxx to xxx

this is a Corp

{er, um. A 'corp' but completely different purpose, raison d'etre}

tasked with xxx &&&

right now our real estate refers to 1300block NS as the Gaza strip

lived in WV for 58 years; lived in Amb

I have as much a xxx  as anyone in Amb

to say between those who love and those who don't

xxx will sort through

staff

as with Sop keeping an open mind

wd not suggest applicant has not xxx with wishes

this is our Amb strategy formulated over 30 years

xxx make the best of it and xxxx

going to stop there

Sop: look at ev and move forward

make an amendment? and I hope you listen carefully