A developer has appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) for a proposal that calls for 40 townhomes at 2425-2427 Bayview Ave., leaving residents and city planning staff concerned.
The battle began in 2006 with a proposal that originally called for 20 townhouses, submitted by the developer Hush Homes. The new application, submitted by Urbancorp in 2014, has proposed to build 40 townhouses on the same lot that once was slated for 20.
A community consultation was held on March 26, where residents shared their concerns about the future intensification, lack of privacy and traffic the proposed development could bring.
“We’re very concerned about the precedent it will set, if this development is approved,” said John Nicholls, president of the York Mills Gardens Community Association.
Nicholls is also concerned about the added congestion the development would cause on Bayview Avenue — particularly at rush hour.
But Ward 25 councillor Jaye Robinson believes the developer “usurped” the City of Toronto’s planning process.
According to Coun. Robinson, Urbancorp has made assurances to work with the community in the past.
“I hope they stick to their word,” she said.
As of right now, residents are mobilizing, and Robinson has made it clear that she’ll be working with her community to help fight the development.
According to David Bawden, past president of the York Mills Ratepayers Association, residents raised approximately $120,000 to fight the site’s previous development in 2006, and it wound up receiving approval from the Ontario Municipal Board nonetheless.
City of Toronto planner Guy Matthew will submit a report to the North York Community Council in June, recommending a position for Toronto City Council to take.
A pre-hearing at the OMB is scheduled for July 27.
Requests for comment by Urbancorp were not returned by press time.