The citizens group known as Concerned Residents of Leaside has sent general e-mail asking for financial support to fight RioCan over the redevelopment as proposed of Sunnybrook Plaza. The giant REIT has appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board to overturn the City’s refusal to permit high-rise towers 13 and 19 floors at the site. The mail, which was forwarded by Geoff Kettel, says the City has completed its assessment of RioCan’s proposal, “which is largely in favour of the community. We have a few more points to add, but this is very positive for us. Nonetheless, to fully represent the community’s interests, we will be hiring a lawyer and city planner for representation at the OMB to oppose RioCan’s appeal.”
GO FUND ME
The mail asks people to contribute to a fund at the Go Fund Me site to raise as estimated $30,000 to hire a lawyer and cover other costs related to winning at the OMB, It extends an open invitation to a “community lawn meeting” on Saturday June 18th at 9:30 AM, at 281 Bessborough Dr. to discuss the strategy and answer any questions. It say to bring a lawn chair.
CITY’S ADVICE TO RIOCAN
The mail summarizes the City’s advice to RioCan about this project as follows:
– Revise the proposal to predominantly mid-rise form (9 to 11 storeys)
– Comply with angular planes of neighbouring sites
– Increase the amount of non-residential gross floor area
– Provide an additional setback for the townhouses along the private driveway
– Continue to refine the private driveway to improve the pedestrian environment
– Adjust the setbacks around the buildings for better pedestrian flow and accommodate road widening
– Increase the amount of outdoor amenity space
OMB PRE-HEARING JULY 26, 2016
The matter will be discussed at the North York Community Council meeting on June 14th, at around, but not before, 2 p.m. at the North York Civic Centre (5100 Yonge Street) on the lower level in the Council Chamber. The OMB pre-hearing is set for July 26, 2016 at which the group must seek standing for the November meeting where the final decision will be taken.
