Town and developer set to battle at OMB

The Town of Richmond Hill and a developer are going head-to-head over a recent proposal for two condominium towers, at 21 storeys and 15 storeys, on the southeast corner of Yonge Street and Observatory Lane. After council rejected the initial proposal from the developer, Torview Properties Inc., the company filed an appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

The application sought an official plan amendment to redesignate the lands from “residential” to “mixed residential and commercial,” as well as a zoning bylaw amendment to permit 463 residential units.

Coun. Godwin Chan said council rejected the proposal, citing height, density, urban design and traffic issues, which led Torview Properties to appeal to the OMB.

“Nobody is saying we don’t want any development in that area,” Chan said. “But [residents] are saying, ‘Let’s do something here that is compatible with the official plan.’ ”

At the pre-hearing, Torview’s lawyer, Ira Kagan, requested the case go to mediation so that both parties could reach a settlement. Town staff agreed. Chan said that, whereas the proposal is not suitable for that area, he is not opposed to a development.

“Almost every spring I get complaints about how yucky it looks in that empty land there, but unfortunately it’s not owned by the town. It’s a privately owned property,” he said. “Let’s face it, from my end, I certainly feel this [mediation] is a drain on our tax dollars, our staff and experts, in appealing any sort of litigation. All those things cost money,” he added.

But neighbouring residents, such as Renu Duggal, disagree. “Fifteen storeys, can you imagine the number of cars that are going to be on the road? Yes, we can have lots of high-rises, but at the end of it, there is no greenery being replaced. There should be some balance,” she said.

According to Chan, any changes to the proposal would be reconsidered by both councillors and the public. If a settlement cannot be reached, the OMB is scheduled to hear the case on Jan. 9, 2012.

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO