The Ontario Municipal Board has directed that a demolition permit be issued for 140 Dinnick Crescent in Lawrence Park. In a written decision dated May 29, 2012, the vice chair of the Board, J de P Seaborn, noted that in February 2012 the City decided to revoke an earlier demolition permit even though it had already issued a building permit for the site. This was contrary to law, the vice chair found. The property at 140 Dinnick was purchased by Tim and Charlotte Stanley in 2011 for the purpose of using the lot to build a new family home. The Board’s report followed a time-line in which the couple had their plans revised to conform with the City’s bylaws and worked with their new neighbors to that effect. It was also noted that at no time prior to the posting of a demolition sign at the site did anyone raise any concern about the heritage status (if any) of 140 Dinnick Crescent. A letter from North York Community Preservation Panel was sent at the very last minute within the time period for the expressions of concern about the demolition. This was, the decsion said, the first time anyone had raised a heritage consideration. The Stanleys are now required by the terms of the OMB’s decision, and after they obtain the demolition permit, to knock down 140 Dinnick and build their new home within a period of two years from the issuance of the second permit. The Stanleys were represented by Amber Stewart. The furor now on-going about the demolition of 140 Dinnick Crescent gives testament to the motivation of North York Community Council on this matter. The council’s concern about heritage status for this rundown 1930 house was well mixed with a potent political element. Let’s just say votes are every bit as important to any councillor as preserving the history of Lawrence Park. The neighbours are shocked and outraged — at least some of them are. Others, perhaps more sensible, understand that 140 Dinnick had doubtful claim to heritage status and most importantly, the City had delivered a serious injustice to the young owners of the property, Tim and Charlotte Stanley. They purchased the house in 2011, having looked carefully into any possible impediment to its demolition. There was none. Zero. The Stanleys were given a demolition permit which, incredibly, was revoked the very next day. This was done on the basis of a letter, which for the very first time in the whole long drama, made claims about heritage status. It was shameful and when the Stanley’s appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board was heard, the City’s flimsy pretense was blown away. Now we have an outcry worthy of a plan to demolish 24 Sussex. We say hooray for the Stanleys. They will make a fine contribution to Lawrence Park by building a new home at 140 Dinnick Crescent. OMB reverses NY Council on 140 Dinnick
