Raise the Hammer

I mentioned this previously and the author states it above- I really think the issue is our 4-decade long drought of any urban development. People are rightly nervous about what they will get from a city hall that only understands box stores, cul de sacs and highways. I hope after a few good projects are complete people will realize that new development in their hood is a good thing. Someone alluded to the York Blvd example above. That was 100% about the demolitions of blocks and blocks of heritage homes NOT to make way for new condos but to make way for the massive parking lots the city would mandate behind the new condos. We suggested over and over (I was involved in this with the SCC) that the city not have rear parking lots so they could still see narrow new buildings built on those York plots. But they don't understand development unless half the neighbourhood is paved over. As it turned out, York was still zoned high density and we are fine with that. The century homes remained low density. Strangely enough there was a property owner at Stonewalls and associated warehouses on York who wanted the high density mixed use zone for that corner but the city wouldn't give it to him. He has medium density, despite a massive lot already assembled that could house high density housing. A 29-storey condo proposal will be announced there next month. I personally don't mind the height but will wait to see the actual site plan. Still, strange how the city tried to force high density and demolitions on an area where it made little sense yet wouldn't apply it down the street at Queen where it makes perfect sense.

This Charlton project looks fantastic. This would be ideal for York Blvd south side. I love that it ties into the rail trail. Google Maps shows a 15 minute walk to the Augusta strip. I suspect this will be approved and will add much needed new residents to this area.