After months of debate, Yorkville grocer Pusateri’s has learned that the sidewalk indent in front of their store on Bay Street will be destroyed. Pusateri’s has used the indent as a valet space since 2003.
The indent, also known as a lay-by, was put in jeopardy several months ago when Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam spearheaded road and sidewalk alterations in Yorkville and found that the lay-by caused the sidewalk to be narrower than the minimum width set by the city.
Pusateri’s president Frank Luchetta believes that the space is an essential part of his business.
Council had thrice voted to give Pusateri’s time to reach a compromise, but as of a May 10 city council meeting, the decision is final. The four-day meeting ran two days longer than scheduled. By the final vote, 18 councillors were absent. Luchetta felt that this worked against him. “Forty per cent of councillors had left,” he said. “There was not enough support to take a proper vote.”
He pointed out that though the grocer paid the City of Toronto $75,000 toward its implemen-tation, anyone may use the lay-by for drop-offs and pickups. “All the merchants along Bay Street, their customers use our service,” said Luchetta. “It's not exclusive for Pusateri’s.” He said he would like to continue exploring alternatives.
Wong-Tam says that there is no time left to negotiate. “The contract tender closed the day of the vote,” said Wong-Tam.