The Project to construct a 14-storey, mixed-use building with more than 375 residential units, a free-standing day care facility and approximately 1,500 square metres of retail space on the ground level has brought about a disagreement with the developer and the High Park Residents' Association, and other members of the community.
A recent interview with the local councillor posted on the
insidetoronto.com simply out lines the lines drawn between the two groups and well the position of the local councillor which seems to ambiguous..maybe it can be read as doubtful or uncertain that much can be changed now.
Some of her statements are entirely valid yet in terms of fronting the opinion for the residents well...many are not happy.
It should be noted that both the residents, the councillor, and the developer have been hampered by the development start occurring in a City of Toronto election year, and stepping in is an new councillor on a running project is difficult, and a Councillors authority in development matters is not omnipotent. Yet there is strength in a counsillors position.
Daniels' original design presented to the community at a consultation meeting had the 14-storeys on Bloor Street West, said the local councillor.Here the councillor is entirely correct,
"Because people commented, we switched the building around. It's better for High Park, but worse for 22 Oakmount," said Doucette. "I appreciate where they're coming from. I agree, we don't want a solid wall around our park.Well said, and showing insight into the right to light and view issues that come into play when large buildings are build next to 2 story homes.
Because this is a staggered building, eight floors are on Bloor Street staggered back to 14."The meaning of this statement is simply not clear as to what this does to mitigate the current concerns of the residents as they have known this for some time, and it is only part of the solution they want.
Doucette said the building will contain other materials besides glass. The city has a policy concerning glass buildings to protect migrating birds, said the councillor.In this area, the blog thinks most people would like less glass more brick.
"Most concerns have come to us after the third (consultation) meeting. Between the second and third meeting, I received 13 emails - only three were concerned about height," said Doucette. "In the eleventh hour, it doesn't really help."This statement is the most puzzling, should not residents be supported right up to the last possible reasonable time-frame, and be allowed to increase their action as projects come closer to approval.
Doucette said that this project was one she "inherited" mid-process."I hate to say it, but a lot of this was done before me," she said. In this statement she is not entirely correct, the project was introduced in introduced in June of 2010, yes this is six months before her election, but in the middle.
"We've reduced the shading on Oakmount Road family homes and addressed the concerns of residents regarding a laneway from Oakmount to Pacific. Daniels has bought some of the TTC land and created a bend in the laneway (preventing cars from racing through)."Good work on the bend in the laneway to slow cars down, laneway cutting is a big problem in much of the north area of ward 13.
The word "we've" common is ambiguous - is it her and residents, her and the developer, or her and city staff. Although lack of in this area can contributed to the insidetoronto reporter.
The planning department and the councillor have encouraged the developer to listen to the residents.
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