[Architype]

In spite of the fact that it seems a reasonable proposal for that site, council had the legal right to deny the project because it required a rezoning and two separate discretionary amendments regarding the height and the FSR, but I think their reasoning wouldn't hold up in most cities. However if the zoning already permitted that use and height (maybe it should), it probably would have gone ahead. The catch for neighbours is that the land is still zoned industrial at present, which could lead to a less desirable use happening there. Residential use would normally be considered an improvement. People don't really want to live beside an industrial neighbour, and that pile of salt could find a new home, maybe on the Southside. On the other hand, industrial land is needed too.

Regarding zoning throughout the city, people generally have the status quo, which makes it difficult for any new "urban" type projects to go ahead in central areas. The heritage area protects housing of varying quality, but some of it is substandard and architecturely not significant, especially in the West end. If St. John's has more development pressure as many think it will, someone has to make some smart decisions......remember, when you get snowed in it's better to not have to go far to get to things.

All for now