Beedie Living is experiencing a case of déjà vu as their latest plan for 105 Keefer Street in Chinatown, their fifth application in four years, has been rejected. Vancouver City Council gave their collective thumbs down to the project in June, and the historic decision by the Development Permit Board (DPB) marks the first time since 2006 that the authority has failed to approve a development application.

Scale model of the rejected development, image by Forum contributor Roundabout

After Council's rejection, the developer launched a development application instead of another attempt at rezoning the property. The nine-storey development that went to the DPB was downsized from the previous 12-storey proposal in order to meet zoning policies for the land. The reduction in scale was largely attributed to the elimination of a planned social housing component, which would have introduced 25 units to low-income seniors. It sought approval for 111 market residential units and a row of ground-level retail space.

Chief Planner Gil Kelly and Chief Engineer Jerry Dobrovolny voted to reject the proposal, with Assistant City Manager Paul Mochrie the lone vote in support. Kelley said the revised application failed to meet the "design test," citing a need to engage with the community more closely.

The nine-storey proposal was rejected by the Development Permit Board, image via City of Vancouver

It's not yet clear what Beedie's next move is. The developer could return and resubmit the proposal after tweaking the design or potentially engage in a previously discussed land swap between Beedie, the City and B.C. Housing. In the meantime, the developer has issued a pointed statement following the landmark rejection:

"We are extremely disappointed that the institutions mandated to provide regulatory and policy framework — the City of Vancouver planning staff, and the council-endorsed and appointed Urban Design Panel and Development Permit Board advisory panel — have been undermined and their unanimous support for 105 Keefer ignored by select members of the Development Permit Board. Like many people, we are uncertain what this unprecedented decision will mean for these civic institutions."

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