Kettle Society looks forward to expanding facility under Grandview-Woodlands community plan

The 'no tower' signs may finally come down from East Vancouver windows and off of front lawns now that the Grandview-Woodland community plan has been approved, which allows for higher density and taller buildings near Commercial Drive.

The No Tower Coalitionhas argued that tall buildings will alter the character of the neighbourhood, but the Kettle Society, which provides housing and social services for people with mental health issues, is excited about last week's announcement.

The plan promises thousands of units of social and market housing and "affordable ownership options" within the next 30 years, as well as the controversial KettleBoffoprojectat the corner of Commercial Drive andVenablesStreet.

The proposed tower will make 30 units of social housing available for the Kettle Societyand provide a larger space for their drop-in centre, which it says is currentlychronically overcrowded.

"We hope when it's done that people will have room to sit down. Right now at lunch, people have to stand outside or eat in the courtyard," said NancyKeough, executive director of the Kettle Society.

"We're also hoping that the centre will have the medical clinic better set up, that we'll be able to have room for some of the other programs there that are so important to people's recovery and well-being."

Keough sees the replacement of the current buildings at the site the drop-in centre, a dry cleaner, the old Astorino's Ballroom and parking lots as a chance for growth in the neighbourhood.

She hopes that minds will change to support improving the health of at-risk members in the community.

"I think we'll serve the clients we have better. We see 4,000 a year and certainly if more people comewe'll have some capacity," she said.

City councillors engaged in headed debate before approving the plan. Coun. Kerry Jangsaid the new development would provide greatly-needed mental health services, while Coun. Adriane Carr voiced her concerns about relying on developers for social housing.

Applications for rezoning is the next step in moving the development forward, despite push-back from the No Tower group and disappointment from theGrandview-WoodlandArea Council about the decision.