RESIDENTIAL SALES FOR a controversial development project on the site just north of Steeles Avenue and Yonge Street have been very strong according to a development representative.
Marco Filice of Liberty Development Corporation said the company is “excited about the response to date” from buyers.
The World on Yonge project at 7161 and 7171 Yonge St.will add more than 1,200 residential units as well as a 117-suite hotel to the 10-acre site. Currently, a single-storey plaza, gas bar and fast food restaurant occupy the site.
The development — with residential building heights between 18 and 31 storeys — will also include office and retail space. While significant changes have been made from the initial proposal submitted in 2006 — including reductions in building heights and the inclusion of an LEED and bird-friendly design — concerns still exist.
“The density, I think, is still something that people really don’t want,” said Marilyn Ginsburg of the Grandview Area Residents Association. She added that residents are worried about the impact on area infrastructure, which is already problematic.
“The primary concern we still have is traffic infiltration,”she said.“The amount of traffic that this project is going to generate is pretty scary.” Coun. Valerie Burke agreed the impact of the project will be great.
“This is a huge change to the neighbourhood,” she said. “I think the residents have really struggled with this.”
The proposal does offer benefits to the area, Burke said, including making the “hostile” car-focused area more pedestrian friendly through incorporated park and green spaces.
Cost for residential units at the development begin at $189,000 and go to over $600,000. Filice said he anticipates the opening of a sales centre in the new year to sell remaining units. Tentative occupancies will commence in December 2012.
