The Vancouver City Council has voted to advance three ordinances that together amount to the redevelopment plan for the Heights District, with a final adoption date set for Aug. 2.
The ordinances — a creation of a new Heights Mixed-Use, HX, zoning district, an approval process for development projects within the district, and a lifting of the temporary moratorium on new development — would put the city on track to transform the central Vancouver neighborhood into its own version of a downtown core over the next few decades. City councilors adopted the Heights District Plan after more than two years of planning and public engagement.
The Heights District is a triangular, 205-acre area roughly bordered by East Mill Plain Boulevard to the north, MacArthur Boulevard to the south and west and Andresen Road to the east. It encompasses the city-owned Tower Mall property as well as three public schools, Park Hill Cemetery and commercial and residential areas.
“We are excited to continue to move forward this transformative project,” Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said in a media release. “The Heights District Plan reflects key equity objectives for our community and fosters neighborhood livability by adding services and open space near new and existing housing.”
