Residents will soon get a chance to weigh in on the contentious plan to redevelop a shopping plaza near Wilmington Avenue and Overbrook Place.
Coun. James Pasternak recently submitted a proposal to North York Community Council requesting a public meeting to discuss the Bathurst Manor plaza. The request was approved, but a date has not been set.
The development, a potential overhaul for the rapidly deteriorating retail stop, has been in the works since 2006 but has gone through several revised proposals and, in the past, has been hotly contested by some community members. The latest revised proposal was submitted last March.
Coun. Pasternak said the project still calls for a mixed-use development, consisting of both retail and residential space.
But “only an optimist would call it mixed-use,” said Larry Fischer, member of a community-based working group looking into the project.
He said he expects the finished project to be primarily residential, adding that he would like to see retail space retained — such as a grocery store — for seniors, who make up a large part of the neighbourhood.
“The place is deteriorating, so redevelopment is a great idea,” he said, “but only if it’s done properly and only if it takes into consideration the seniors living in the area.” Coun. Pasternak said some community members have “ongoing concerns” pertaining to potential traffic and density issues as well.
“People have a lot to say,” he said.
Former councillor Mike Feldman held two community meetings on the issue, one in 2006, shortly after the original proposal was submitted, and one last June.
A representative from Biddington Property Management confirmed they own the plaza but would not comment on any further plans.