The Jan. 8 story by Troy Brynelson (“2 new buildings planned at the Academy“) concerning new mixed-use development at Providence Academy left out very important information. The entire Academy site is in a Heritage Overlay District (VMC Section 20.510.020) which establishes standards for any development on the site.
The Overlay District describes the Academy as the major historic asset in the area. As adopted, the city of Vancouver’s official policy states in part that it is the policy of the city to preserve Providence Academy and critical open spaces integral to its site, and to ensure the compatibility of new construction with the character of the historical buildings on the site. The artist’s rendition of the proposed development does not respect the historical character of the Academy as required.
In reviewing this proposed project, planning staff must respect all the codes, of which VMC Section 20.510.020 is just one. I encourage everyone who wants the Academy and its environs protected to contact the planning department and have them keep you informed of this project and its compliance with code. The planning staff works for we the people, and we must make sure the unique historical significance of the Academy is preserved.
