In what would appear to be a precedent-setting application to the Ontario Municipal Board, the owner of the home 67 Roxborough Street West in Summerhill has appealed a decision of the City’s Committee of Adjustment to deny a parking pad in front of the house. The application was turned down in response to opposition by many residents, the ABC Residents Association and Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam. The ABCRA is planning to oppose the request again before the OMB. Roxborough St residences like homes in much of Summerhill have restricted parking. Most residents park on the street, But an early 20th century laneway runs behind 67 Roxborough and the owner has already been given permission to build two garages back there. Opponents think it is piggy to want to park on property at the front as well. The parking pad is a sorely frowned-on phenomenon at City Hall, where most Councillors want them banned completely. Some say they take up curbside parking because the access curbs to pads are required to be kept clear. On the other hand, there seems little question that a parking pad is safer for the vehicle and contributes to off-street parking. Fewer cars parked on the street make traffic safer many contend. The ABCRA takes its name from boundaries west of Yonge St. being Avenue Rd., Bloor St. and the CP tracks.
