A meeting of an estimated 60 neighbors in the Fleming Crescent and Parkhurst Blvd area expressed determination to see the illegal structure at 27 Fleming demolished. It is a three-year nightmare that seems far from over.
There is a stop-work order against the building. It was applied last year after a two-year period of mad non-conforming work. The original bungalow was cleared and work began on what the contractor told the city was a two storey home. That was just one little oversight as the floor space, height and structural specifications within the building expanded in all directions. The City seems to carry a lot of responsibility for what went wrong as well. The builder went to committee of adjustment and showed a set of plans. But as next door neighbor and lawyer Robert Ellis says: “They had a plan. They just didn’t build according to the plan”
Last night at the William Lea Room concerned residents met with the current owner, Hy Hirshberg, where the meeting was tense but under control. At the end, residents were satisfied that Mr. Hirshberg does not intend to make any changes to the large structure. Many neighbors spoke of how they had tried to get the city to stop work two years ago when it was clear that the original owner was in violation of the bylaws. The home was largely framed up and closed in during this period. Now the owner has 30 days to appear at the Committee of Adjustment and seek whatever accommodation that it may offer. But residents say none is called for and are looking for an order to demolish. That cannot happen for another 90 days after the committee hearing Thus it may be four months before this central Leaside neighborhood will know the fate of 27 Fleming.
It was sold as a bungalow in 2012 for $670,000 and again to the present owner for $1,050,000 last year Residents theorize that the price paid is about the value of the mud and believe it remains a viable knock-down and rebuild for any competent builder. Councillor Jon Burnside (Ward 26) was at the hastily-called meeting and spoke twice, before and after the meeting with the owner of the building. He explained the procedure at committee and offered a declaration to pursue the matter there and to seek City assistance with legal staff if the matter moves on to the Ontario Municipal Board. Also present at the meeting was Geoff Kettel of the Leaside Property Owners Association.
