Halifax downtown development won't ruin view from library, says developer

The developer behind a planned seven-storey building on Spring Garden Road says the project was inspired by the Halifax Central Library, but detractorssay they worry thedevelopment will ruin the library's view of the city.

"The library inspired me to do this. We want to add to the success of thelibrary, not take away [from it]," said Danny Chedrawe, the president of Westwood Developments.

Westwood Developments isproposing a mixed-used building with commercial space on the ground floor, a boutique hotel,residential units and a rooftop restaurant.

But those opposed tothe developmentplannedfor the block between Spring Garden Road and Doyle Street say it willhurt the view of Citadel Hill from the library's fifth floor where a large sitting and reading room is located.

"As the library slogan goes 'Share the Wow'and we're here to save the wow," said Larry Haiven, a member of the group Friends of Schmidtville.

A chance for 'more collaboration'

The $60-million library has been open just over a year and hashad close to two million visits. The developer and city officials have beenurged to negotiate to come up with a compromise.

• VIDEO |Excavator tearing down Spring Garden Road building falls through floor

"In many other cities, we see a lot more collaboration between developers, city staff and the community," said Brenden Sommerhalder, past chair of the peninsula planning advisory committee.

"Consider this as an opportunity to try a new style of development more community-centred."

Chedraweis holding a public information meeting Wednesday night at his Doyle Street office behind the demolition site.

Westwood Developmentssays it hasconsulted with the designers of the libraryand modified plans for the proposal.The changes reduce the height at the west end of thebuilding.

"I can assure the public that after this building isbuilt, there's still going to be a tremendous view ofCitadel Hill," said Chedrawe. "I'm saving the view becauseI think it's important."

Chedrawe points out his plan has an number of extras that will benefit the public:he's doubled the widthof the sidewalks around the building, the block will beringed with trees,new lighting and all the overheadwiring will be buried underground.There will also be70 spaces in the underground parking garage set aside forthe public.

Westwood Developments hopes to have the proposalapproved by the city's design review committee within afew months and start construction shortly afterwards. To minimize the impact of the project on the area, the companyhopes to finish the new buildingwithin two years.