Parents are expressing frustration over a recent decision by the Vancouver city council to rezone a portion of school board-owned land for a six-story rental building. The Vancouver School Board (VSB) had announced plans to dispose of the southern section of land at Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary over a year ago, with the rezoning decision presented to the council just last week.
The upcoming development on 1401-1455 East 49th Ave. is set to feature approximately 87 rental units, with 20% of the residential area designated for below-market-rate rentals, as outlined in a city staff report. The VSB had leased the land, currently housing basketball courts, to Vittori Lanark Holdings Ltd. in a $8.5 million, 99-year deal.
Under the lease terms, VSB staff would have priority access to vacant rental units. However, Heman Mehta, chair of the Fleming Elementary parent advisory council, disagrees with the rezoning decision, stating that it is illogical given the school’s current overcrowding issues.
Mehta raised concerns about the outdated and flawed projections, pointing out that the school is already over capacity by 22 students and is projected to reach 133% capacity with 646 students by 2043. He worries that future portables may encroach on the soccer field due to limited available land.
While Mehta supports new rental housing, he questions the decision to lease the valuable land for a seemingly low monthly rate. The VSB responded to parental concerns by affirming the accuracy of their projections, stating that there is sufficient space to accommodate current and future students at Fleming.
Despite the council’s approval of the rezoning, Mehta remains disappointed, emphasizing the importance of making decisions with long-term generational impacts in mind. Councillors emphasized the need for housing in the area, citing a lower vacancy rate compared to the city average.