West End residents are worried a new Trump Tower-size development at Burrard and Nelson streets will drastically change the neighbourhood.

The proposed new 57-story building, developed by First Vancouver Baptist Church and Westbank, will go before council Tuesday evening.

Local residents are trying to have it scaled back.

"I'd like them to not approve this development as proposed but to address the significant deficiencies by demanding the developers have a proposal that is more keeping with our neighbourhood values and consistent with the West End community plan," said local resident and Patina condominium strata council member Gilbert Dizon.

Dizon says the residents feel, if council puts this development through as is, it will be neglecting its commitment to sustainable growth in the area as part of the West End Community Plan.

Concerns over crowding and footprint

The West End Community Plan outlines key principles for developing the area, including sustainable and green development and fostering "resilient, sustainable, safe and healthy communities."

Dizon says the proposed development is contrary to those goals.

"The thing is, and I think this is the dominant feature, is really the height, scale and the footprint of the proposed building," he said. "It's not in keeping with our values."

The building, designed by Bing Thom Architects, would be 57 stories high. (Bing Thom Architects)

Dizon says the building will have nearly 500 parking stalls. He says the group of residents is concerned it will bring far too many new residents into the neighbourhood, making it impossible to get around.

"This will negatively affect our way of life, our way of living, our safety, particularly for pedestrians, our health and our peace of mind as well, because more cars means more people," he said.

Because of its size, the proposed building will not only be changing the skyline and reducing green space, it will also eclipse nearby residents in the neighbouring Patina building at 1028 Barclay.

"They will not only be in shadow for several hours, they will be in darkness," said Dizon. "That's just not fair."

Redeveloping the First Baptist Church

The proposal would also bring critical renovations to the 107-year-old First Baptist Church, one of the longest serving congregations in Vancouver.

"The redevelopment of First Baptist Church, if approved, will bring greatly expanded services to the broader community — including below-market rental housing, new child-care facilities and an expansion of programs for seniors, youth, new immigrants and the homeless shelter that the church has run for almost two decades," said Westbank development manager Farouk Babul in a statement.

While Dizon concedes the renovations and seismic updates to the church are important, he says he still worries council will not listen to concerns over safety, mobility and livability.

"Hopefully they'll address the major deficiencies of this project by requesting or demanding a counterproposal," he said.

