A four-building development proposed at Bathurst Street and Beverley Glen Boulevard, which includes a 27-storey tower, has the local councillor and residents concerned.
Site owner Baif Developments Limited wants to build four towers ranging from seven to 27 storeys with a total of 797 one- and two-bedroom residential condominiums and 957 parking spaces.
John MacKenzie, the City of Vaughan’s commissioner of planning, said the proposal more than doubles the allowed height and density for the site but is generally in keeping with the intensification the area has been experiencing.
But Alan Shefman, the councillor for the area, said Baif’s proposal has no place in the area, which borders detached family homes.
“I asked the developer, ‘What benefit does this provide to the community?’ ” said Shefman. “To be honest, they didn’t have much of an answer. I don’t see any benefit from a development in this area.”
Shefman said he is concerned that Baif could use the precedent of the height of a 25-storey tower recently approved at the same intersection, which also exceeds height and density limits, to support its proposal. The development site currently abuts Ruth Cohen’s home on Kingsbridge Circle. She said her home was a retirement investment, and she is concerned it could be affected by the four buildings.
“We bought this townhouse with the expectation that we could invest into a seniors’ building,” said Cohen. “Now, I don’t know. It seems like we would get less than we need.”
A resident of nearby Abbeywood Gate, Cynthia Gossin, echoed Cohen’s concerns about property values, adding that she is worried about adding more cars to the already congested area. Gossin expected a high-rise addition nearby but not one as high as the one proposed.
“I understand where they’re coming from because they make more money,” she said. “But it’s ridiculous.”