After years of consultation, the city has released a revised area plan for Grandview-Woodland that again calls for more density, but at a lower level than what sparked a neighbourhood revolt a couple years ago.
The plan, which was one of the most controversial in recent memory, sets out a vision for the next 30 years that includes 10,000 new residents, towers as high as 24 storeys, $800-million in public benefits and more than 7,000 new homes.
And while the newest iteration, released last weekend, has toned down the tall towers that heightened community concerns and reduced overall residential growth by 25 per cent, it touches on two proposed projects that have become significant flash points in recent months — a controversial bike lane and the proposed Kettle Boffo development, both on Commercial Drive.
For some residents and shopkeepers in the area, these small pieces will be the focal points for conversation about the much larger plan, which covers an area that stretches from Clark Drive to Kamloops Street, and from South Grandview Highway north to the port.
For Domenico Bruzzese, a co-owner of the family-run Commercial Drive specialty food store La Grotta Del Formaggio, the influx of 10,000 new residents could be good for business, but it may be decades before they come. Far more pressing is the bike lane he and other business owners along the Drive fear will put an end to visits from destination shoppers.
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