Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon Community Consultation Follow-up

Received July 8, 2014 - from Councillor McMahon`s Office

Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon
Ward 32 Beaches-East York
www.CouncillorMcMahon.com

Community Consultation Report

A public meeting was held on Tuesday June 24th, 2014, at S.H. Armstrong Community Centre where residents of the Leslieville area provided comments on the proposed development at 1327-1339 Queen St. E.

Proposed Development:
1327-1339
Height: 8 Storeys
Units: 110
Parking Spaces: 106

Planner in attendance:
Leontine Major
lmajor@toronto.ca

Councillor in attendance:
Mary-Margaret McMahon
councillor_mcmahon@toronto.ca
Paula Fletcher
councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca

Preliminary Report:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2014/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-69671.pdf

Major themes:

Residents:
• Some residents were concerned that building was too tall and large and that it was out of keeping for the area;
• The façade of the building and its overall design were criticized by several residents that attended the meeting;
• Concerns were also raised about increased traffic particularly on Memory Lane, Knox Ave. and in the surrounding area;
• Danger to pedestrians that use Memory Lane was cited as a concern;
• Placing units that face onto the laneway worried several local residents particularly those who live immediately adjacent to Memory Lane;
• The underground water courses, high water table in the area and the impact that the development could have on basement flooding was expressed by several local residents;
• Dealing with soil contamination rather than brining people to the area was suggested as a smarter strategic move for the City;
• Some expressed concern the developer has not yet changed their plan despite vocal opposition;
• The loss of trees in the back yards of the two purchased properties was a concern for many;
• Shadow impacts and loss of light were raised;
• Garbage pick-up and the logistics was discussed;
• A mix of units (size) and ownership (affordable) were proposed by residents at the meeting;
• The impact this building will have on parking availability in the area is a concern and bike or car-share spaces were presented as an alternative.

Planning Department:
• The Toronto Official Plan identifies Queen Street East as an 'Avenue' where some increased density is expected;
• The proposed development would require the site to be rezoned, planning staff will investigate if the proposal meets the applicable sections of the Official Plan and Provincial Policies;
• The proposal will be circulated to various City Divisions for feedback ;
• An acceptable transition to the houses behind the building will need to be made.

Next Steps:

• A working group with interested local residents will be created to help resolve issues with the proposal.


Thank you,
Mary-Margaret McMahon
Councillor Ward 32
Beaches-East York

mh