The plan to redevelop the former Crystal Court motel keeps shrinking.

Vancouver developer Westbank Projects came before council in its sixth attempt to but forward a residential development at Belleville and Douglas streets — this time with two towers.

In an attempt to appease the height variance of an added 19.8 metres and rezoning from tourism use to mixed residential use, the proponent axed a previous 17-storey tower in favour of two towers — one 12 storeys tall and the other nine.

The new design puts the developments height below the eaves of the Empress hotel, a concern voiced by city council earlier.

"The impact now is really substantially less," said architect James Cheng.

The site is challenging and the company has spent two years designing a project the city would approve of. Now what the proponent needs is a decision from council, said Cheng.

Council referred the proposal to city staff, the advisory planning commission, advisory design panel and the local community association for input.

Coun. Geoff Young noted the development would have a negative impact on business at the Queen Victoria hotel next door, as it would affect its views. He also voiced concern about amenities offered in exchange for the added density. Westbank scaled back the amenity funds by $354,000, to be dedicated to Belleville and Blanshard streets' intersection, with the proposals new reduced density.

Coun. Pamela Madoff said she was protective of tourism use zone land because of the lack of it. She said she is looking for the right building, if it fits in culturally, rather than what will be given up for bonus density.

But Coun. Charlayne Thorton-Joe wasn't so quick to write it off. She noted she doesn't see the demand for hotels, as many of them seem to be vacant. In addition tourist enjoy being where locals are, so a mix of tourism facilities and residential spaces could potentially complement one another.

raldous@vicnews.om