Controversial Commercial Drive tower development discussed at public hearing [Video]

A controversial plan to redevelop the Safeway location on East Broadway near Commercial Drive was discussed at a public consultation at Vancouver city council Thursday night, with more than 120 people registering to speak. 

Redevelopment at 1780 East Broadway has been in the works for years with a number of past rezoning applications and withdrawals, city planner Simon Jay said at the beginning of Thursday’s public hearing.

Westbank Projects Corp/Crombie REIT, on behalf of Snowcat Property Holdings Ltd. has applied to build three purpose-built rental towers, ranging in height from 36 to 43 storeys, near the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station — an area that consists mostly of single-family homes, duplexes, low-rise apartments and retail buildings.

WATCH | Commercial Drive tower development faces city hearing: A decision on one of Vancouver’s most valuable pieces of real estate is finally happening. The Safeway next to the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station has been the site of speculation for years. CBC’s Justin McElroy breaks down …