Controversy
Although Vancouver public support for the stadium is high (a Mustel survey found that 71% of Vancouver residents supported the project), the proposal is inciting protests from several groups including the Gastown Neighbourhood Coalition. Well-known local architects Arthur Erickson and Bing Thom have also urged caution, saying that piecemeal development of some of Vancouver's last undeveloped waterfront should be avoided. They believe the stadium would deny waterfront access and would negatively affect the historical theme of the Gastown area. The architects have urged city hall to delay approval until a comprehensive plan has been submitted. Independent architecture firm Hotson Bakker, which was hired by the city of Vancouver, came to the conclusion that the current stadium plans are unworkable. They reported that the development does not fit with the Gastown district and doesn't take future residential developments into account. They also stressed the need for a comprehensive waterfront plan.
A group of local Gastown businesses and residents that support the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium are represented by Stadium NOW!. Thousands have also voiced their support for the project through the Friends of Soccer campaign.
Read more about this topic: Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium
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