A controversial grocery store and LCBO development went before North York Community Council last month after previous attempts to sidestep the process failed.
Community council approved the preliminary report for the Bayview Avenue and Broadway Avenue site under two conditions: a community meeting would be held, and more than the usual amount of residents would be invited. “There’s significant community concern about this,” said Councillor Jaye Robinson regarding the development, which will be built on the former Brennan Pontiac site at 1860 Bayview Ave.
Community concern height-ened last summer when developer Starbank Developments made a second appearance before Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment (COA). The developer first went before the COA last February, after applying for a minor variance on the site. Because the COA is meant for smaller projects, such as home renovations, the application was deferred indefinitely. Last July, after amending the application slightly, the developer again applied to the COA and was officially refused.
The application caused an uproar in the neighbourhood, largely because of noise, traffic and density concerns. The proposed size for the project was nearly three times the allowed density for the site. While the current site plan size has decreased — from approximately 75,000 square feet to approximately 70,000 square feet — Robinson said locals are still worried.
For many, traffic is the main worry. With shoppers driving to the retail site and a constant flow of delivery trucks entering the premise, there will likely be increased congestion.
“We see it happening at the big Metro store at Eglinton and Bayview,” said local resident Karl Dreher. “The big delivery trucks are often lined up there, waiting to turn.” Dreher is also worried the increased traffic congestion will hinder dispatched ambulances going to and from Sunnybrook Hospital.
According to Robinson, one of the next steps to be taken is a traffic study to help city planning and the developer create a site plan that mitigates effects on the neighbourhood. Robinson said a residents’ working group eventually will be created.
Michael Goldberg, the developer’s lawyer, could not be reached for comment.
