From 24hrs – Jan 21, 2011

by Bob Mackin

A controversial proposal to allow 12 to 15
storey buildings in the Downtown Eastside was suddenly yanked from city
council’s Thursday planning committee agenda and delayed to gauge public
opinion.

Dozens of people were hoping to speak against a policy
to enable condominium towers in the historic area. Mayor Gregor
Robertson successfully tabled an emergency motion before noon to strike a
neighbourhood committee and set a Dec. 31 deadline for a report on the
impact of taller buildings.

“The community has been loud and clear
for the last number of days and weeks even,” Robertson said. “It’s an
important step for us to take right now.”

Councillors Suzanne Anton, Ellen Woodsworth and David Cadman opposed the motion.

“This
is another blow to democracy by this council,” Anton said. “It says to
me that you are afraid of hearing the 80 speakers, or however many are
on the list, this afternoon.”

Read full article