The Port of Vancouver’s plans for the waterfront received a seal of approval Thursday.
Hearings examiner Sharon Rice on Thursday gave an endorsement of the port’s Terminal 1 project, which aims to build apartments, offices, a hotel and a public market next to the Columbia River.
Rice’s approval gives the project some added shine before it goes in front of Vancouver City Council in June. Hearings examiners are appointed by the council to oversee land use hearings, but the council has final approval before a project can start construction.
Port officials were satisfied by the recommendation, they said, especially since the plans have been in the works for two years.
“We appreciate the recommendation, the city of Vancouver has been our partner for a very long time at this site, so it’s very satisfying to have this affirmation and move forward to the next steps,” said Abbi Russell, the port’s spokeswoman.
Rice’s recommendation specifically focused on those master plans — also called concept development plans — as well as permits to build within 200 feet of the Columbia River shores.
The port’s master plan proposes building 355 residential units, 62,000 square feet of retail space and 200,000 square feet of commercial space. It would cover four city blocks and be built across six phases, according to a recent presentation.
The plans are headlined by a 160-room hotel, The AC by Marriott, and a public market for vendors, resembling a sort of year-round farmers market.
Rice had been reviewing the plans since May 4. The Vancouver City Council will hold a public hearing on the project June 19 where citizens may offer their comments.
