White Rock's new-look Town Centre cleared its final obstacle Monday, when councillors gave final approval to Bosa Properties' highrise development.

The decision was considered a formality following council's Oct. 31 vote to approve third-reading. Cable cameras and the throngs of people that packed White Rock's First United Church last month for public hearings were replaced in chambers by a small, yet vocal, group of opponents.

Coun. Doug McLean restated his concerns with the project, particularly the transfer of a small parking lot behind Hillcrest Mall to the developer. That paved lot is technically part of Bryant Park.

Bosa will begin building its four-tower development in mid-2006 on the current site of Town Centre Hall on Russell Avenue. The project will be completed in 2011, with redevelopment of Hillcrest Mall.

The agreement requires Bosa to build a one-acre public square and community centre inside the Town Centre. The developer has also pitched $275,000 toward renovations at White Rock Playhouse, and this week agreed to put $300,000 toward public art.

"I just don't see anything for anybody here," Woods said Monday, pointing out there would be no playground and claiming there would, in fact, be no public space.

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