My Point of View: Is Wortley Village the right place for luxury condos? Part 6 (Conclusion)

[The following concludes a series of thoughts about the development process as it pertains to an empty lot at the corner of Wortley Rd. and Bruce St. in Old South, London]

I feel it’s almost as if, during the process in which a local developer was granted major variances pertaining to a commercial/residential building’s size, that City Hall had more the mind of a builder or developer than an advocate for the city as a whole, and because of that, I am left with a few questions for the city planning department and developer.

First...

Based on the following comment to my blog site (Feb. 17):


[Nature's lesson: Squirrels dominate what was meant for birds: photo GAH]

Sonny D. said,

Gord, I don't know how anyone unconnected with the developer could possibly consider a four-storey building NOT being totally out of place on that particular corner of Mayberry.

Hopefully wiser heads will prevail but given this town's past record on such matters ...

1. Will wiser heads prevail? Will the four-story building be redesigned to include only three floors, or four shorter floors, in order to conform to the city bylaws?

Second...

Based on another comment (Feb. 18):

kkrige said,

I cannot say that I think their plan fits in with the fit of the village at all. I do not have a problem with some sort of development, but it should be something that fits with the feel of the village. I was talking with a friend about this and we also remarked that after all the renovations that went on a few doors down, the art gallery must not be pleased either.

2. Will anyone other than a few people in the city planning department and the developer be pleased with a building that obviously doesn’t fit the feel of the Village or the site?

Third...

Based on another comment (Feb. 18):

Crazylegs said,

I agree - the plan is a terrible fit. I've always felt that old, muddy parking lot should be put to some better use, but this isn't it. I can understand the developer wanting to maximize the lot's earning potential, but cramming a box full of condos, cars, and storefronts into a confined space is not right for the village.

I like your idea, Gord. Build something that embraces and supports the community vibe. Just don't make it a pain for me to visit The Village Tail for my weekend cat food run!

3. Will local small businesses lose customers because parking becomes a pain as a result of inadequate parking allowance (a condition allowed by the city)? Who should they hold responsible if this is the case?

Fourth...

Based on another comment (Feb. 26):

Jesse said,

Surely if the building is too high according to City Regulations then it shouldn't be built that high? Otherwise what's the point of the building regulations?

4. What is the point of building regulations?

Other questions based on my own concerns:

5. Who is to act as a fair advocate for the neighbourhood if not the city planning department or others who know the appropriate bylaws off by heart?

6. Is there any member of the planning department who has a bias toward builders or developers, e.g., another builder or developer, or a person associated closely with same?

7. Is there any member of the planning department who knows the Village well and could speak honestly about what fits with the area, e.g., a current or former resident, or a person associated closely with same?

Another based on a comment made at my blog site (Feb. 25):

Scott said,

I know the deadline is coming up - are you planning to appeal? I'd think we especially might have a case on the parking issue, as 36 private spaces is not the same as the 44 spaces requested by the zoning. As of today, no one has filed an appeal.

8. Has anyone from the community planned an appeal based on the parking issue?

9. If not, could it be because D. Tennant Jr. already has a well known lawyer, of local and national fame, ready to represent him in the event that an appeal is made?

10. Now that the precedent has been set to allow buildings in the Village that clearly do not fit (according to size in a variety of ways) over the clear objections of many who live in the area, who can local residents depend on to look out for their interests in the future?

In conclusion, I’m disappointed with the overall size of the building, the city’s lack of fair judgement in the decision making process, the developer’s unwillingness to listen to the community in which he plans to build, and with what may be the community’s prospects for fair play in the future.

And every time I walk past the massive building that will soon appear at the historic corner of Wortley and Bruce on my way to the local coffee shop or hardware store, I’ll be reminded of the time the community knocked on City Hall’s door, and the developer’s door too for that matter, and nobody was home.

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