Once swirling in controversy as a housing development too intense for the quieter neighbourhoods of Bayview, the seemingly defunct Alexandria townhouse project, originally owned by Hush Homes, may have found new life.
The 20-unit project, slated for occupancy in January 2014, went bankrupt late in 2013 after failing to find enough buyers for the townhomes that began in the $2.5 million range. Located along Bayview Avenue at Post Road and along the Bridle Path, the project was also the bane of local residents who felt townhouses did not fit into the nature of the neighbourhood.
“I and the residents here want to maintain the character of single-family dwellings and lush green spaces,” said Ward 25 Coun. Jaye Robinson about initial opposition to the development that eventually led to an Ontario Municipal Board hearing.
The residents and city lost the bid to reduce the intensification of the project at the OMB, and it was given the go-ahead, but lack of sales saw to its temporary stalling. Robinson said it is her understanding that the project has now been purchased out of receivership.
“I’m confident in saying it’s been sold, but at this point, staff has not been in contact with any developer about what their future plans may be for the site,” she said. “People here certainly want to see it [the property] returned to its origins of single-family dwellings.”
The plans were for 20, three-storey, high-end townhouse units, each between about 3,700 and 3,900 square feet and each served by its own two-car underground garage. Robinson said the OMB ruling that stood by the project would still stand, regardless of any new owner.
“The OMB created an unfavourable precedent allowing the townhomes where they simply don’t match the character of the neighbourhood,” Robinson said. “Maybe a new developer will have new ideas that will suit the neighbourhood better.”
Calls to the potential purchaser were not returned by press time.