Two Richmond Hill residential development applications were rejected by the Town of Richmond Hill after councillors and residents put up a united front.
Citing the planned projects’ overwhelming densities — and heights approaching up to twice the area maximum of 15 storeys — councillors voted May 9 against approving a development locals feared would drive up traffic and air pollution.
Margaret Roscoe, a resident at nearby 20 Harding St., said that buildings such as the “overwhelmingly large” proposed Baif Developments Limited towers would overshadow the town’s proposal to transform a neighbouring parcel of land into a civic centre, which might include a new city hall.
Still, Roscoe remained realistic about rapidly growing Richmond Hill.
“Everybody knows development is going to happen, but just not here.”
Now, Baif has the option to appeal both projects to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) in hopes of raising three towers of 31, 28 and 20 storeys along Yonge Street, between Harding Boulevard and Hopkins Street, and one nine-storey building just west of the central library on Atkinson Street. They would house 1,560 and 421 units, respectively.
Ward 5 councillor Nick Papa hoped that a compromise between the town and the developer could be reached before the application goes to the OMB where council previously had no control.
If the appeal does reach the board, however, council can expect a new degree of control over the tribunal’s outcome thanks to a motion passed May 7. It requires that city staff representing the town at OMB hearings forward to council previously confidential OMB updates, allowing council to provide additional direction. This will facilitate communication between Baif and council, something that Baif development manager Lynn Barkey says will be key to reaching an optimal outcome for both parties.
According to Barkey, an OMB appeal has not yet been formally decided upon by the developer.