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The neighbourhood surrounding the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain station in East Vancouver could see a big boost in building heights and density if councillors approve a local development plan.

“Current land use does not take full advantage of highly suitable sites immediately around the SkyTrain,” reads a staff report heading to council next week.

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The plan calls for a trio of highrises and a handful of mid-rise buildings around the station transitioning into townhouses and four-storey apartments. It also aims to breathe more life into the area with better shopping areas, improvements to walking paths and a polished streetscape.

While about half of the attendees of a series of open houses held by staff earlier this year supported the proposed concept, “some concerns remain in the community about tower height, traffic congestion and the amenities proposed to support growth and traffic congestion,” according to the report.

The polarized reactions to increased height and density led to the recommendation to transition from large buildings around the station to lower townhouses near the edges of the plan area.

mrobinson@postmedia.com