Cambie Street rezoning worries residents

Vancouver council wants to rezone some residential sections along Cambie Street to allow six- to eight-storey buildings, but some residents say that's going to ruin their views of the city.

The city has already posted notices, held two public consultations and is now collecting feedback about its plan to rezone the single-family neighbourhood near the intersection of Cambie Street and King Edward Avenue.

Resident Carey Murphy told CBC News she'll lose her view of downtown, along with the quiet feeling of the neighbourhood.

"It's the natural beauty of Vancouver. It's mountains, and the city is there as well," said Murphy, whosemain concern is the six- to eight-story apartment buildingsthat could be built along King Edward Avenue

"Now I feel like I don't really own this property. The city is my landlord and they are going to make the decisions," she said.

Open to some changes

Resident Clive Bottomley said heis open to changing the neighbourhoodby allowing some low-rise buildings and townhomes, but heis concerned about the scale of the city's plans.

"I really feel like they are trying to slip things in here and give away the prime view lots to the developers to realize their vision of eco-density near the RAV stations," he said.

The city should tackle density with coach houses and the lane home program instead of the low-rise apartment blocks, said Bottomley.

"This neighbourhood just doesn't warrant it. It's just all single family RS1 zoning," he said.

Georgia Evans, who lives a block away from the re-zoning area, said she plans on rallying her neighbours against the development.

"One of the things that I've discussed with my neighbours when this thing does go to council we are going to be there in full force.

But before it goes to council, residents have until June 15 to send comments to the city.