To assist with some important work between now and the next GHG meeting, why not join Caroline Adderson in studying the City’s proposals for “character houses.”  Here is what Caroline has to say:

I just want to make sure you all know about the Character Home Rezoning review open houses which are winding up next week.  Rezoning is powerful tool that could save some of our remaining original housing stock; we only have 24% of it left.  In short, the reason these beautiful, enduring houses are being destroyed is that the lot they stand on is zoned for a bigger house.  Reduce the size of the new build, then the folks looking for a redevelopment site may look elsewhere, as currently happens in our RT zones.  As an added incentive to retain, and to balance the economics, the city proposes to offer “extras” for retention in the form of additions, infill, extra suites, etc.

The details of the open houses are below.  You can also fill out the survey on-line, though the implications of what they are asking are not always clear.  I found it helpful to be able to ask questions of staff in person.  There are also PDFs on the website to refer to.

Here are two recent articles that you may also find informative:

http://vancouversun.com/opinion/opinion-city-hall-must-act-quickly-to-save-vancouver-heritage-homes
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/stop-the-clear-cut/article33052442/

It is crucial that the public support these changes or they will not happen.  Please, please, please participate.  Feel free to share this email with concerned friends.  No need to reply to this email.

Sincerely,

Caroline Adderson

Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, 5 – 9 pm 
PNE Hastings Room, 2901 East Hastings St. (Gate 2, Forum Gate)
 
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, 5 – 9 pm 
Town Hall Hellenic Centre, 4500 Arbutus St

ONLINE SURVEY FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO JOIN THE MAILING LIST
A survey will also be available on our website starting November 21. vancouver.ca/characterhomereview