Providence Academy is an integral part of Vancouver’s history and absolutely must be preserved. However, I question how parceling out the property will benefit the community.
First, since the developers are eligible for tax subsidies, our literal tax dollars will be flowing across the river to fatten the pockets of Oregon-based developers, not to mention the apartment rental income that will certainly follow our tax dollars to line the pockets of Portland investors. I also wonder whether the small businesses that currently occupy Providence Academy will see any benefit to having thousands of new neighbors. It seems to me that Providence Academy will become a nameless, faceless building in a sea of apartments, devoid of character.
I understand that development is inevitable, however Phase 2 seems like a money grab that will damage small businesses and make the importance of Providence Academy itself an afterthought.
