A large crowd attended the City’s Laird in Focus feedback meeting Tuesday night in the auditorium of Leaside United Church. A previous meeting in June brought forward ideas from residents which were presented, along with some themes that seemed to originate at the planning department. But the magnitude of the consideration was overwhelming for many. Old concerns about height and density were present. The process hopes to create conditions on Eglinton east of Laird Drive and on Laird itself down to Millwood which sound dreamlike. One poster board welcoming residents said the purpose was to create “a high-quality and well-connected public realm, contributing to a walkable, cycle-able and beautifully landscaped neighbourhood.” There was much other high-sounding intention, perhaps ideal when and if manifested. Sectional diagrams of Laird Drive and Eglinton Ave showed streets with traffic, bike lanes, pedestrians and trees. It is proposed that there will be no parking on Laird from McRae to Millwood. What appeared to be an apartment and condominium projection east of Laird was fully written over by residents with concerns about tower architecture and density related to traffic and schools. It seemed an old story.
