A PROPOSAL THAT could render the official plan redundant and set a new precedent for Bayview Village and York Mills is being appealed at the Ontario Municipal Board.
T
he application to build eight three-storey townhouses near the corner of York Mills Road and Bayview Avenue was made to city council one year ago to permit the development by amending the zoning bylaw on the property, but council did not come to a decision within the 180 day time frame, so the developer has appealed to the OMB.
David Bawden, president of the York Mills Ratepayers’ Association, is concerned for the residents who have purchased property in the area.
John Nicholls, president of the York Mills Garden Community Association, said the development would set a precedent for the entire area roughly between Highway 401 and Lawrence Avenue and from Yonge Street over to Leslie Street, which he said is zoned for single-family dwellings.
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They bought into a situation and thought it would be stable based on the official plan, but it’s not,” Bawden said.
The proposed development for 2500 Bayview Ave. (located on the northwest corner of Bayview Avenue and York Road) would stand 11 metres high, and the plan is to have garages in the rear, with patios on the roof, which would overlook neighbours’ yards along York Road and Bayview Avenue.
Coun. Cliff Jenkins is unable to comment on the proposal because he owns property close to the site.
Coun. John Filion said townhouses on this stretch of Bayview Avenue could have a destabilizing effect on the neighbourhood.
“By precedent it would render the official plan meaningless for other similar properties,” he said.
A longer than normal, three-day hearing is scheduled to begin Feb. 3.