Lots of readers have asked me recently if there's anything happening with the proposed development of the Little Mountain property.
And to be honest, I don't know.
But anyone with questions can attend two open house events this week beginning with Jan. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. The second open house takes place this Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both are being held at Brock Elementary, 4860 Main St. Since 2009, three open houses and more than 40 meetings have been held in cooperation with the city and a locally appointed advisory group.
The events provides an opportunity to review development plans and provide input to a proposed policy statement. Which likely means the project team will demonstrate how design principles and community input have shaped a proposed policy framework for the redevelopment. Following these open house events, developer Holborn Properties will seek city council's approval of the policy framework before applying for rezoning. I've said it before about many issues and I'll say it again, if you have an
opinion, share it before it's too late.
Wrecking ball block
Speaking of Little Mountain, newly elected NPA park board commissioner Melissa De Genova is bring a motion to the park board meeting Jan. 29 asking for a six-month moratorium on demolishing Riley Park Community Centre, which closed last year.
De Genova told me that with as many as 5,000 new residents moving into the neighbourhood due to the development of the Little Mountain property, at least part of the old building should be preserved for use as an arts and culture centre with up to 24 childcare spaces included.
De Genova says the week after she was elected to the board she heard from at least a dozen residents, many members of the Riley Park South Cambie Community Visions group, asking for help to save the old centre. De Genova notes saving the centre also fits with the city's Greenest City Action Plan.
"They say the greenest building is often the one that's already built," she says. "I don't know if the whole building can be saved, but I'm sure part of it can."
I've written many stories or mentions of the Riley Park South Cambie Community Visions group's efforts to save the centre, but in one of the most recent, Vision Vancouver commissioner Aaron Jasper told me the centre won't be saved. So it could prove interesting.
Meanwhile, De Genova says she's been advised to check staff reports before taking a stand.
"I haven't committed to saving Riley Park," De Genova told me. "I'm just asking for enough time to study the numbers."
Wharfed
Haven't had enough of the old Jericho Wharf?
At Monday night's park board meeting, staff will present a 14-page report including the final concept plan. The report notes so far there have been 10 open house or focus group events, not including park board meetings, where the future of the historic marginal wharf has been discussed.
Some of the suggestions from the public include a need for pathway connections and safe access to the beach, preservation of the Lion's Gate Bridge railing, a lawn for picnics and seating.
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Twitter: @sthomas10
